Commarque Castle, Dordogne Valley Travel Guide

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Discover a medieval fortress with prehistoric roots at Château de Commarque in the heart of the Dordogne's Vézère Valley. A unique historical adventure!

Explore the Château de Commarque, a medieval castle in the Dordogne region of France, with prehistoric caves and troglodyte dwellings. Discover its rich history and stunning architecture.

A brief summary to Commarque Castle

Route du Château de Commarque, Les Eyzies, 24620, FR
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Monday 10 am-6 pm
Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Commarque Castle.

Wear sturdy walking shoes as the site is located on a cliff and involves walking along uneven paths.
Bring baby carriers for young children, as the site is not easily accessible with strollers.
Take the picturesque 600-meter walk through the woods from the main parking area to the castle entrance.
Check the schedule for guided tours and workshops, especially during school holidays and public holidays.

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Explore Commarque Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Commarque Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

If driving, navigate towards Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil in the Dordogne. From Sarlat-la-Canéda, take the D47 towards Les Eyzies. Follow signs for Château de Commarque, located approximately 5 km from the town center. Note that some GPS systems may direct you to an incorrect route via Chemin du Bos; Route de Sireuil is the main access road. Three parking areas are available: a general parking area a 600m walk from the entrance, a bus parking area, and a parking area for visitors with reduced mobility closer to the site. Parking is free.
Public Transport

To reach Château de Commarque via public transport, take a train from Bordeaux or Périgueux to Les Eyzies train station. From Bordeaux, the train journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with tickets costing between €55 and €95. From Périgueux, the train journey takes about 49 minutes, with tickets ranging from €30 to €50. From Les Eyzies train station, you can either walk to the castle (approximately a 1-hour, 5 km hike) or take a local taxi. A taxi ride will cost approximately €15-€20.

Discover more about Commarque Castle

Château de Commarque, nestled in the Vézère Valley, is a remarkable medieval castle in the Périgord Noir region of France. Its history spans from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, offering visitors a unique glimpse into 15,000 years of human history. The castle's origins trace back to the 12th century when the Benedictine abbey of Sarlat constructed a wooden tower to protect its lands. Over time, the tower was replaced with a stone keep, and the site evolved into a larger complex with tower houses and a chapel.The castle was shared by several noble families, including the Commarque, Cendrieux, and Gondrix families. During the Hundred Years' War, the English took control of the castle, and it later became embroiled in the French Wars of Religion. After being abandoned in the 17th century, the château fell into ruin until Hubert de Commarque, a direct descendant, began its restoration in 1972. Today, visitors can explore the castle's ruins, climb the 30-meter tower for panoramic views, and discover the prehistoric cave with its Magdalenian-era art.The site also features troglodyte dwellings, offering a glimpse into another period of habitation. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, audio guides, exhibitions, and workshops. The castle is open from April to early November. Admission fees are €9.80 for adults, €8.00 for students and disabled visitors, and €6.50 for children aged 6-17; children under 6 enter free. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes due to the uneven paths.