Chateau de Fénelon, Sainte Mondane (between Sarlat and Souillac)
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.
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.
As well as a collection of armour and weaponry there is furniture dating back to the 15th to 18th centuries.
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).
photo courtesy of
sjsu
subject to copyright
You can also visit the Dordogne castles and chateau at Dordogne castles and chateaux , now with an interactive google map
