The Forte de Reignac House
From Camping Le Montant to the Maison Forte de Reignac …
An article proposed by Roxane
Even if you have a comfortable stay at Camping Le Montant, we warmly invite you to step out of your cosy little comfort to explore our beautiful region. The gourmet moment will be assured by the local gold nuggets (are you more of a truffle, walnut or foie gras?), But the adventurous break will take place in Tursac, about twenty kilometres from the campsite, with the Maison Forte de Reignac, a curious castle-cliff as we no longer do!
The Maison Forte de Reignac, on the cliff side
Imagine the scenery … You arrive in an already impressive natural setting, along the Vézère river, and you discover without expecting an extraordinary castle. La Maison Forte de Reignac, in the heart of the Dordogne, leans against the side of a cliff, walled in a limestone rock carved by the river, and shaped by man over the centuries. Young and old alike let their imagination run free from this first glimpse. We then ask ourselves a lot of questions: what is this building? What was it used for? What is inside?
As you can imagine, a fascinating story, tinged with warlike epics, is hidden behind the walls of the Maison Forte de Reignac. The site is an immense testimony to history as traces of cave dwellings dating back more than 20,000 years have been discovered there. It is therefore a real journey through time that awaits you just half an hour from Camping Le Montant! It was in the 14th century that the fortress came into being. It was then occupied by a lord who lived there with his family as well as the people in his service. The castle also had a defensive vocation. We have always been intrigued by the stunners above the stairs, the dungeons and the loopholes on the walls. We will not say (much) more because the strangest and most secret castle of Périgord is alive! For the more fanciful, this castle is… haunted!
Contrary to the impression you will have on the outside, be aware that the house is immense inside. It is even bluffing. During your visit to the site, put yourself in the shoes of a medieval lord, and stroll through the vast rooms lit by the light entering through the windows located 40 meters high. You will thus cross:
- The weapons room, with authentic period weapons;
- The large Hall of Honor, with its warm and special atmosphere;
- The kitchen, with a set table and the utensils used in the past for cooking;
- The countess’s bedroom, furnished with period furniture (we’re a fan);
- The exhibition hall, with the theme of torture (children and sensitive souls, abstain);
- The Great Men room, with period furniture and reconstructions.
The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the discovery of the upper terrace where you can enjoy a splendid panorama over the Vézère valley and its surroundings. We will never tire of this dazzling spectacle … La Maison Forte de Reignac is unmissable in that it offers something different, even confusing. This building was classified as a historical monument in 1964.
Visiting the castle-cliff with your children
You should know that the access to La Maison Forte is particularly steep and, inside, there are stairs to go from one floor to another. You will understand, forget the stroller. We therefore recommend a baby carrier, much more suitable. A 34-page game booklet is offered to children aged 5 to 13, while stocks last.
Practical information about your visit
To get to Maison Forte de Reignac from Camping Le Montant, you will take the D47 for 30 minutes to Tursac. Free parking is available.
The site is open every day, including public holidays, from the first February holidays until November 30th, as well as during all Christmas holidays.
- For more information, you can contact the Maison Forte de Reignac team:
The final word …
A captivating site with a special atmosphere … I like to recommend this place because it is quite unlike and confusing. I will not say more about this castle known to be the strangest and most secret of Périgord. To discover without hesitation!
Roxane
Campsite team