Hautefort Castle
Discover Dordogne's only classic castle and its immersive experiences to immerse yourself in its history.
Free guided tour every day
An exceptional site to visit
The château stands on a rocky spur overlooking the commune and village of Hautefort. Built between the late 16th and late 17th centuries on the foundations of an ancient medieval fortress, its architecture is clearly reminiscent of the châteaux of the Loire Valley and Versailles. Embellished by the addition of a formal garden and landscaped park in the 19th century, it is a unique site that combines the splendour of nature and the majesty of architecture, with a culture of refinement inherited and passed down through the ages.
A historic castle at the heart of Dordogne
Discover the only classical château in Périgord! Inspired by Versailles, it stands out for the symmetry of its facades and its majestic main courtyard. These architectural features and its attraction to classicism bear witness to the prestige of its builder, the Marquis Jacques-François de Hautefort, adviser to King Louis XIV, who devoted his life to embellishing Hautefort in the purest respect for the codes of the classical era. During your visit, retrace the evolution of this place through the history of those who shaped it.
Not forgetting: the 17th-century roof structure, the chapel and the bread oven!
The Marquis's flats: plunge into the heart of the 17th century
Your journey begins in 1671, in the private flats of the Marquis de Hautefort. Based on historical correspondence between Jacques-François de Hautefort and Colbert, we have imagined their meeting. You will gradually enter the Marquis' private life, witnessing the exchanges that shaped the family's future.
Your experience continues in the estate's kitchens, where the steward will reveal the secrets of organising grand receptions. Sounds, decorations, scents and surprise guests: everything is designed to make you experience a great day in the XVIIᵉ century.
New immersive 360° experience
The exceptional furniture, the great fireplace room, the portrait of Marie de Hautefort
The Baroness's flats: an intimate experience
Enter the private flats of the Baroness de Bastard and the generations who still live there today. Ravaged by fire in 1968, château de Hautefort was saved thanks to the unfailing determination of this woman and, after her, of Hélène and Michel David-Weill. Today, it is the third generation who live there with their children when they stay at Dordogne. In this intimate experience with a family passionate about masterpieces and exceptional furniture, you will discover life at a château in the 21st century.
NEW: 360° immersive experience
Relive the 1968 fire
Through 360° immersion, combining sounds, lights, noises, smoke and smells, enter the heart of that tragic night in 1968, when flames almost reduced the château to ashes. Feel the urgency, the struggle to save this heritage and the emotion of its rebirth. A gripping sensory experience to help you understand the history and resilience of Hautefort.
To discover
Gardens, panoramas and treasures of the estate to extend your visit and savour all the richness of Hautefort.
The classic castle
Discover Dordogne's only classic castle and its immersive experiences to immerse yourself in its history.
French gardens
Since the 17th century, Hautefort has been home to formal gardens that have been redeveloped over the years. Come and admire them at the foot of the château.
The English park
Born in the 18th century, the English park celebrates a wilder, more poetic nature. At Hautefort, it extends over more than 30 hectares.
Not to be missed
After a tour of the 17th century and the basement, don't miss three must-sees: the chapel, the Brittany tower and the communal oven.
Restaurant and shop
Discover our new restaurant, relax in the shop and take home a genuine souvenir of Hautefort!
Daily entertainment
Every day, your ticket includes free events: a guided tour of the gardens and château, and a bread oven workshop for all the family.