Château de Hautefort, Renaissance palace in Périgord Noir, France
Château de Hautefort is a castle in Périgord Noir featuring two wings that end in round towers and framed by symmetrical French gardens. The structure rises above the Auvézère Valley and combines architectural elements from different periods into a cohesive composition.
The castle began as a fortress in the 11th century and was transformed into a noble residence in the 17th century by architect Nicolas Rambourg. This redesign reflected the shift in how French aristocracy chose to live and display their status.
The castle interior reflects how French nobility lived and decorated their homes through the centuries. Furniture, tapestries, and artworks throughout the rooms show the tastes and daily habits of the families who called it home.
The castle sits on high ground and is easy to reach on foot, with clear paths through the gardens and around the buildings. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful, as you will walk considerably, especially if you want to explore the extensive gardens.
The gardens contain a Lebanese cedar tree around 250 years old that has grown to an unusual size and stands as a focal point in the park. Alongside this tree, experimental gardens grow heirloom plant varieties that visitors seldom see elsewhere.
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