Château d'Aucors

The Château d'Aucors is a fortified castle that sits on a limestone cliff roughly 20 feet (6 meters) above road D87. The building features two square residential structures connected by a polygonal staircase tower, incorporating the natural rock formation as part of its foundation.

The castle was built in the 11th century as a fortification in the Périgord region and suffered damage during the Hundred Years War when it changed ownership several times. Following the Wars of Religion, significant reconstruction took place around 1617 to repair and update the structure.

The name Aucors comes from ochre deposits found in the area, reflecting the connection between this place and its natural surroundings. Visitors can still observe how the structure integrates with the rocky landscape around it.

The castle is visible from road D87 and relatively easy to reach from above, though the steep rocky terrain means visitors need to walk on uneven ground. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and it is wise to allow extra time to explore the site safely.

The castle kitchen connects to a deep well that extends roughly 30 meters (100 feet) down through the limestone, giving past inhabitants direct access to water without leaving the building. This underground water system reveals how cleverly the original builders used the natural resources available in the rock.