Château de Commarque
Medieval castle ruins deep in the forest, with towers and walls rising from the trees, and prehistoric caves in the cliffs of the valley below.
Château de Commarque stands in the forest of the Bonne valley. Built from the 12th century, it changed hands many times during the Hundred Years' War, then gradually fell into ruin and was swallowed by woodland. Descendants of the original family bought it back in 1968 and have restored it ever since. The complex includes a keep and several noble residences, and visitors can climb the keep for views. In the cliffs below are prehistoric rock-art caves (not open to the public) and remains of cave dwellings. From the car park it is about a 10-minute walk through the forest. The atmosphere feels adventurous, and it draws fewer visitors than the castles along the river. Admission is about €9.
Opening hours
About Apr–Oct 10:00–18:00 (extended in Jul–Aug)
Nearby sights
- La Roque Saint-Christophe
- Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
- Font-de-Gaume Cave
- National Museum of Prehistory
- Grotte du Grand Roc
- Château de Beynac
- Château des Milandes
- Sarlat Old Town