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Baynec was built by the Baynec family in the 13th century
and was taken over by Richard the Lionheart during
the Crusades. In the 15th century it saw much action during
the war between England and France. Things calmed down for
the castle until the 16th century when it became a prison.
Now it stands witness to over 900 years of history. The castle
was so powerful, locals named it "Satan's Ark".
The castle is protected by its sheer drop against the river
and strong northern defences which were reinforced in the
16th century with a double moat, double wall and two barbicans.
The castle of Beynac is an awesome sight, known as the "King
of Perigord" towering above the Beynac village at
the foot of the cliff. It is considered on of France's finest
pieces of architecture. The village is constructed in layers
from the seafront topped by a heroic fort. It is a top spot
for painters and photographers who flock to depict its golden
stone walls mirrored in the Dordogne river. The baronial flags
of the States General of Perigord are still hung in the halls
where the barons would meet some 700 years ago. The view from
the castle roofs, 200 metres above the river is stunning taking
in the valley and surrounding Chateaux Castelnaud, Fayrac
and Marqueyssac.
The Romanesque chapel on the edge of the Beynac cliff was
the location from the 1978 film version of Les Miserables.
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