Château de Fayrac, Medieval castle in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, France.
Château de Fayrac is a stone castle featuring two round towers from the 15th century, a chapel with ribbed vaults, and a charretterie entrance protected by a defensive structure. The building sits in the Dordogne region and forms part of the valley's six-castle route.
The fortress developed through several building phases, with medieval origins followed by Renaissance additions in later centuries. During the Hundred Years' War, it served a military role alongside Château de Castelnaud as an observation post supporting English forces in the region.
The structure combines medieval defensive walls with Renaissance details that reflect 16th-century Italian influences in its design and decoration. Visitors can see this blend most clearly in the round towers and the chapel's ribbed vaults, which show how building styles evolved over time.
The castle sits on private property in the Dordogne region and is part of a marked tourism route through the valley. Visitors should plan ahead since access may be limited due to the private nature of the property.
In the 19th century, composer Fernand Fouant de La Tombelle lived here, and his musical works are still performed today. During World War II, writer André Malraux sought shelter within its walls and used the remote location for his safety.
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