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Château de Puymartin

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The château where history still whispers

Château de Puymartin

Discover the secrets of a family, the echoes of a legend and the beauty of a preserved château

Step into the world of Château de Puymartin, a hidden gem near Sarlat-la-Canéda. From the legend of the White Lady to the scars of the Hundred Years’ War, this extraordinary site invites you on a journey through the history of the Dordogne valley. Explore its historic rooms, its cabinet of curiosities and the events that still shape its reputation today. Dating back to the 17th century, the château embodies the rich heritage of the Périgord Noir and offers a living page of French history.

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A magnificent château to visit at your own pace or with a guide.

Each room is beautifully arranged and full of interest, with a special highlight for the White Lady’s chamber. The exterior is just as impressive, making it a truly memorable experience.

5 reasons to visit Château de Puymartin

  • The legend of the White Lady : Be captivated by the tragic story of Thérèse de Saint-Clar, said to have been locked in the north tower for 15 years, whose spirit is believed to still wander the château.
  • A unique mythological cabinet : Discover captivating scenes from Greek mythology illustrated through remarkable grisaille paintings.
  • Authentic interiors : Travel back in time through richly furnished rooms, including the Marquise’s bedroom adorned with Aubusson tapestries.
  • The soul of a family : Learn about the history of the Montbron family, whose legacy lives on through portraits and personal objects throughout the château.
  • A breathtaking view :Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding valley, a perfect setting for unforgettable photos.

A complete visit of Château de Puymartin

During your visit, embark on a journey through eight centuries of history. Architecture, furniture and works of art adorn the walls, reflecting the rich heritage of the Périgord Noir and the Dordogne valley.

From room to room, across the centuries, your immersion in this remarkable place begins now…

Deep within its walls

If the history of Château de Puymartin begins in the 13th century, it is from the 17th century that the château reaches its artistic peak. Inspired by the elegance of the Italian Renaissance, like many great French châteaux, Puymartin embraces refined architecture and decorative richness.

From the Marquise’s bedroom to the Great Hall, from the attic to the veranda, each room reveals a carefully preserved atmosphere. Period furniture, Aubusson tapestries adorning the walls and painted ceilings from the 17th century create a truly remarkable setting. Moving from room to room, a guided visit becomes a real journey through the pages of history.

Around the château

From the grounds of Château de Puymartin, enjoy sweeping views over the Dordogne valley while exploring the surrounding estate. Although the exterior does not reveal all the secrets of the mythological cabinet or the historic rooms, visitors can still admire the architecture, the well kept gardens and the remains of ramparts and defensive systems that hint at the château’s past.

Château de Puymartin: from A to Z

Le Château de Puymartin | Secrets de Patrimoine : Les Joyaux du Périgord | [Épisode 15]
Le Château de Puymartin | Secrets de Patrimoine : Les Joyaux du Périgord | [Épisode 15]

A for Animations

At Château de Puymartin, whether you choose a guided or self guided visit, the experience goes far beyond a simple tour. You are invited to immerse yourself in the heritage of the Périgord Noir. Two spaces in particular captivate visitors: the White Lady’s chamber and the Mythological Cabinet.

The Mythological Cabinet is dedicated to the study of Antiquity, featuring reproductions and interactive displays that introduce you to the great figures of mythology. Medusa the Gorgon, Clytie and her love for Helios, Argos with his hundred eyes… mythology comes to life around you.

To deepen the mystery of the White Lady legend, a specially designed room combines sets, wall paintings and explanatory elements, transporting visitors into a captivating and enigmatic world.

H for History

The history, architecture and legend of Château de Puymartin make it a truly unique site in the Périgord Noir. Despite centuries of upheaval, the château has been preserved and restored, continuing to impress visitors today.

Its story begins in the Middle Ages, when English attacks during the Hundred Years’ War reduced the fortress to ruins. Battlements, ramparts and roofs were destroyed. In 1450, Radulphe de Saint-Clar took over the site and rebuilt it.

The château reflects successive architectural transformations from the 16th century, to the painted decorations of the 17th century now listed as Historic Monuments, and later modifications in the 19th century. A visit here is a true journey through the history of the Périgord Noir and France.

G for Games

At Château de Puymartin, the visit becomes a playful adventure for younger visitors thanks to a specially designed activity booklet. Both indoors and outdoors, children can explore the château while solving riddles and taking part in fun challenges inspired by its legends.

And for those who want to go even further, Puymartin offers a truly unique experience: an original escape game, a first of its kind in France. Step into the mysterious legend of the White Lady and explore the château’s most iconic spaces in a captivating and immersive way… and decide for yourself if the legend feels real.

Stories and anecdotes about Château de Puymartin?

A remarkable family story

Château de Puymartin is also the story of a family spanning more than 600 years. In 1450, Radulphe de Saint-Clar undertook the restoration of the château, nestled in the heart of the Périgord near Sarlat-la-Canéda. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands until the estate became the jewel of the Carbonnier de Marzac family in the 19th century.

Transformed into a country residence by Marc de Carbonnier, the château benefited from forward thinking innovations such as indoor sanitation, heating systems, electricity and other modern comforts, still rare at the beginning of the 20th century. This spirit of innovation continues to shape the visitor experience today.

In 1920, the last member of the Carbonnier de Marzac family married Jacques de Montbron, bringing the château into the Montbron family. Today, they continue to preserve and enhance this remarkable heritage site, making it an essential visit in the Périgord.

The mysterious legend of the White Lady

At Château de Puymartin, one story continues to captivate every visitor: the legend of the White Lady. It tells the tragic fate of Thérèse de Saint-Clar, imprisoned in the north tower in the 16th century. Surprised by her husband upon his return from war, in the arms of her lover, she saw her world collapse. In a fit of jealousy, her husband killed the lover and locked Thérèse away in the tower.

According to the legend, she never truly left. After her death, her body was said to be walled within the tower, and her spirit is believed to wander the château to this day. Visitors and caretakers alike speak of sightings at night, around midnight, on the staircases, in her chamber or along the ramparts. As Xavier de Montbron himself suggests, “It is not just a legend… she is really here.”

VIP experience

 From house to château: the art of dining in the Périgord

 Château de Puymartin invites you to an unforgettable evening where history meets gastronomy. Begin with a guided tour of this emblematic château, then continue with a refined culinary experience featuring foie gras and champagne in the château courtyard. A perfect blend of heritage and gourmet pleasure.

Package 1

Guided tour of the château, Périgord gastronomy and aperitif (foie gras and champagne)
For 8 to 20 people
19 € per person
Available in French and English
From April to June and in September
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

Package 2

Guided tour of the château, Périgord gastronomy, aperitif (foie gras and champagne) and prestige dinner
For 15 to 20 people
130 € per person
Available in French and English
From April to June and in September
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes plus dinner

Booking

Phone : 06 32 05 28 09

Email : evenements.puymartin@gmail.com

Experience Château de Puymartin through the seasons

Puymartin vous propose tout au long de l’année des événements uniques pour découvrir le château sous différents aspects. En février, laissez-vous tenter par nos visites gastronomiques, une immersion savoureuse dans la gastronomie périgourdine du XXe siècle. En été, place à l’émerveillement et à l’aventure : le Bal des Dames Blanches vous plongera dans une ambiance magique avec un spectacle grandiose, tandis que le jeu L’Épée des Ancêtres vous fera explorer les secrets du château de façon ludique. En octobre, Halloween s’invite à Puymartin avec un spectacle original, L’Étrange Halloween de Puymartin, inspiré de l’univers fantastique de Tim Burton. Et pour finir l’année en beauté, venez célébrer Noël dans une atmosphère féerique lors du Noël Gourmand de Puymartin, où le château se pare de ses plus beaux décors.

Relive the history through guided tours

Discover Château de Puymartin like never before. Led by passionate guides, these tours reveal the secrets of the château and the families who shaped it up to the late 19th century.

From fascinating anecdotes and historical figures to the legendary White Lady, every story brings the site to life. Step into a visit where history and legend intertwine, and uncover all the mysteries of Puymartin.

So, ready to experience history?

See you at Château de Puymartin!


Tips for a successful

Choose guided tours

At Château de Puymartin, passionate guides bring the history of the château and its inhabitants to life.

Take your time

Stroll through the gardens, admire the architectural details and soak up the unique atmosphere of the site.

Capture the moment

Do not forget your camera to preserve the beauty of the château and its surroundings.


Answers to your questions

  • Where is Château de Puymartin located

    The château is located near Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the heart of Dordogne, surrounded by remarkable historic monuments and castles.

  • Is the château accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

    Yes, partially. It is recommended to contact the château directly for more detailed information.

  • Can you picnic on site

    Yes, picnic areas are available within the château grounds.

  • Are pets allowed

    Small dogs are allowed if kept on a leash and carried in your arms inside the château.

  • What other castles can you visit in Dordogne

    Beyond Puymartin, the region is rich in exceptional sites.

    – Château de Beynac: One of the most iconic medieval castles in France, perched high above the Dordogne valley, offering impressive architecture and a true immersion into the Middle Ages.

    – Château de Commarque: A fascinating medieval site nestled in a wooded valley, with towers, ruins and remains that tell a story spanning centuries.

    – Other remarkable sites include Château de Fénelon, Château de Castelnaud, Château de l’Herm and Château et Jardins de Losse, each offering its own unique atmosphere and history.

Contact :
05 53 59 29 97 | chateau-de-puymartin@orange.fr

Web Site : https://www.chateau-puymartin.com/

Opening times
Opening hours of Château de Puymartin vary depending on the season. Please consult the official website for up to date information.

Prices
Adults: 11 €
Students: 8 €
Teenagers (13–18 years): 8 €
Children (6–12 years): 6 €

Facilities
Free parking, picnic area and souvenir shop available on site.
No access for visitors with reduced mobility.

Languages available
French, English, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch.

Discover the experience at Château de Puymartin

Read the experience article to learn everything about this unique site.

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