Chateau de Fenelon - Dordogne

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Chateau de Fenelon, Castle, Dordogne, France

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Visit Chateau de Fenelon

This is a beautiful castle on a rocky promontory, surrounded by a triple wall and terraces, situated above the village of Saint Mondane.

Fenelon castle dates originally from the 13th century, but the castle we see today is more from the 16th century refurbishments by the owner, an important local gentleman who wanted to live in luxury. One of his children, Fénelon, was the author of a very celebrated story of Telemachus, much published and read in France during the 18th century.

Fenelon castle was a Cathare stronghold during the 12 and 13th centuries and it went on to play a strategic role duing the Hundred Years War. The renovations and refurbishments which took place in the 15th century are in Gothic style and following this more fortifications were added for the Wars of Religion - this was a turbulent time in French history! The final key alterations were the addition of a vaulted gallery supporting a large terrace overlooking the Dordogne valley.

During a visit to the castle of Fenelon you can see the double line of fortifications in front of the castle and another behind it. One defensive wall was built in the 14-15th century and the other during the 16th centruy. Various towers exist both in the defensive walls and as part of the castle itself.

Inside the castle is a chapel, a large reception room with furniture and tapestries from the Renaissance, and a collection of arms from the 15th to 18th century. Best of all though are the bedrooms which show how decorating style evolved over time. There is 'La chambre de Fenelon' decorated in the style of Louis XIII's reign, 'La chambre Louis XVI' showing 18th century style with lots of soft furnishings, and then there is 'La chambre 1er Empire' displaying the Egyptian influence on art and furniture.

The pretty turrets of the roof are covered with lauze stones - a traditional roofing material but increasingly rare because of the high costs involved nowadays in maintaining such roofs.

Recent history: the 1998 file 'Ever After' with Drew Barrymore was filmed in the Dordogne including Chateau Hautefort and Chateau Fenelon (see other Dordogne films).

You can also visit the Dordogne castles and chateaux at Dordogne castles and chateaux, now with an interactive google map.

The Chateau de Fénelon is in the village of Sainte Mondane between Sarlat and Souillac.

Note: photo courtesy of sjsu subject to copyright