The site of Beynac and its castle is undoubtedly one of the finest in France. The village where Paul Eluard was born is built in stages above the water’s edge, at the bottom of a 150 metre cliff, topped by an impressive fort. This eagle’s nest might seem rather austere if it were not for the sun lighting up its golden walls, mirrored by the Dordogne. With its changing colors and the luminosity of the stone, the sky and the water, Beynac is a paradise for painters and photographers in all seasons.

Following the Organization of the county of Périgord. it became the seat of one of the four baronies along with Biron. Bourdeilles and Mareuil. The first unquestionable trace of a seigneur of Beynac dates back to 1115. The castle was so powerful and its barons so cruel that local vassals and peasants named it “Satan’s ark”.

Parts of the 2000 film Chocolat starring Juliette Binoche, Dame Judi Dench and Johnny Depp were filmed in the Rue De L’ancienne Poste in Beynac.