The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
Chateau de Beynac
It would get unwieldy to try to tell the story of this place in any detail, so I'll let the photos speak. Chateau de Beynac was occupied by Richard the Lionhearted for about ten years back in the early 10th century. During the Hundred Years' War, Chateau de Beynac was the home of the French forces while the British were holed up in Castelnaud across the river. It is privately owned and in the midst of a 100-year renovation program! I can't imagine that kind of foresight in the US.
The interior is sparsely furnished ... but back in the day there wasn't much furniture in the place either. The room at the top left is where Richard lived, at the very top of the keep. The two on the lower left are from what is described as the guards' party room! Park your swords at the end of the table and hang your crossbow on the big hooks coming down from the ceiling.
It is a hard climb to get here from the village, but the views are worth the trek! Only after we made the hike did we discover that you could drive up the back way! I have been having a tough time with the heat and that would have avoided a lot of overheating. My knees would have been happier, too. Good thing I am still young and resilient!
© 2011 Restaurant Doctor
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