Commarque Castle (Chateau de Commarque)
Route du Château de Commarque, Les Eyzies, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 24620
Founded in the 12th century, but abandoned from the 17th century until after World War II, Commarque Castle (Château de Commarque) is a ruined medieval chateau. Visit to see the ruins and a cave with prehistoric art, as well as caves once used as homes. Participate in games, workshops, and treasure hunts held on school vacations.
The Basics
Walk the grounds of Commarque Castle to see how life looked in centuries past and peek into ancient caves. For more insight, join one of the castle's seasonal guided tours. If you visit on a holiday or over summer break, attend a free workshop on calligraphy, stone carving, archery, or other long-ago pursuits. Climb the castle's 100-foot (30-meter) tower for views across the countryside. Consider combining this visit with other Dordogne attractions to see more of the region.
Things to Know Before You Go
Commarque Castle is appreciated by families and history buffs of all ages.
There is an on-site shop selling snacks year-round, and sandwiches are available in high season (July and August).
In summer, make sure to wear a hat and apply sunscreen—much of the site is exposed.
The prehistoric art is not open to visitors, but some of the cave dwellings are.
Students and children enter at a discount, while those under 5 go free.
Commarque Castle offers travelers with disabilities accessible parking and free access to a viewpoint. The main site, however, is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Commarque Castle sits between the villages of Sarlat and Les Eyzies in the north of the Dordogne. It’s about a 40-mile (64-kilometer) drive to the east of Bergerac, and there’s no public transport. Most travelers drive, but it may be possible to visit on a tour.
When to Get There
Commarque Castle is open in spring, summer, and early fall. Between April and June and in September, hours are reduced from their midsummer peak. For much of October, the chateau is only open in the afternoons. Families who want to make the most of the activities on offer should visit over local school holidays such as Easter or on summer break (July–August).
The Story of Commarque Castle
The site of Château de Commarque was inhabited from prehistoric times through the 17th century, when the remains fell into disrepair and were covered by plants and trees. In the 1960s, Hubert de Commarque, a descendant of the family that had once owned the chateau, lovingly cleared debris and stabilized the ruins. His restoration has won many awards.
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