Visit the Château de Puymartin and its legend of the White Lady

The Château de Puymartin is located a few minutes from the Medieval City of Sarlat, in Périgord Noir . You know it, for sure, because it is the host of the famous legend of the White Lady ... This diaphanous apparition that occurs at night, without any particular intention... It is one of the most "haunted" castles famous in the Dordogne , but this is not its only attraction for the curious. The Château de Puymartin boasts superb exterior architecture , which has been redesigned many times and when reading it, it is like stepping into history . Inside, you enter the apartments and reception rooms of a large Périgord family . 600 years of influence, told through interesting anecdotes , furniture , statues , paintings and tapestries of inestimable value! In addition, the Château de Puymartin is a lively place , which organizes festive and fun events, such as a family Escape Game . So let's go ?

Photos and video © Guide du Périgord

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A castle, a story linked to Périgord and France

On the road between Les Eyzies and Sarlat is the Château de Puymartin. Just 10 minutes from the Medieval City of Sarlat, don't miss this amazing, cultural and immersive visit. The primitive castle dates from the end of the 13th century, but it came up against the vicissitudes of History… During a truce during the Hundred Years War, it was stormed by English mercenaries in 1357. Looting, theft, ransacking, a first difficult moment for this opulent building. It is damaged, the roofs torn off to make it unsuitable for habitation, one less place to watch for the English!

In 1450, the castle which is the property of Radulphe de Saint-Clar (powerful family of Périgord ) is rebuilt, not for the prestige or the habitat, but well to face the family of Beynac, then in place at the Castle de Commarque not far away… In the 16th century, it was Radulphe's grandson who gained notoriety and nobility by repelling the attacks of Protestants in these places. In the 17th ^century , it was Roffignac de Carbonnier de Marzac who owned the castle and also the Château de Marzac and the Château de Reignac. It's still the same family, only the surname changes. It was at the end of the ^19th century that the castle was finally to be renovated with pomp, luxury and with the help of a lot of money! All the savings of the Marquis and the Marquise de Roffignac de Carbonnier de Marzac will go there, to make it a refuge responding to a romantic ideal, then in vogue in the Dordogne. Comfortable and modern country residence, majestic receptions, joys and pleasures of passing time in such a beautiful environment… By visiting the interior of the castle, you will be invited to commune with this atmosphere!

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Visit the Château de Puymartin

The Château de Puymartin is open to visitors from April to November. You can visit it on a free visit, following the interpretation panels which are very well done. This allows you to discover it at your own pace, it's perfect with the family when the children are impatient! You can also opt for a guided tour (at no extra cost) and a guide will tell you the history of the Château and its occupants. The Château de Puymartin has belonged to the same family for 600 years and the owners, the Monbron family, still live on site, in the east wing!

I recommend that you start with the exteriors, take a walk in the gardens and all around the castle to understand its architecture. Some parts of the primitive castle of the 13th ^century are still visible, various alterations have been added to it, following looting and modifications at the end of the 19th ^century to modernize it and give it the appearance that you now have before your eyes. The gardens are upstairs, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

You then enter the courtyard of the castle, there are 12 spaces to visit inside, staged to immerse yourself in the daily life of the Marquis and the Marquise. You will cross the reception areas, the living rooms and on a guided tour, you will be able to discover the private apartments of the Marquise... As well as the tower of the White Lady... Inside the castle, the furniture, but above all the paintings and tapestries are exceptional (classified ceilings of the Great Hall, dating from the 17th century)! Rare and precious decorative elements are present, be respectful of this place, which is open with generosity to visitors.

Take a look first at the chapel with its slate paving, there is still one private mass there every year, at the Assumption! We then enter the Cours Saint-Louis, then in the lower room, we take a 15th century ^spiral staircase to reach the main room, the large room, the marquise 's room, the green living room and a study … Take a look out the window from time to time to enjoy the surrounding view ! You can even go up to the attic to discover the sumptuous frame, typically Périgord with its steep angle, essential to support the heavy slate roof. A robust, durable material, which requires increasingly rare know-how for renovation: this roof is a work of art in itself.

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The legend of the White Lady and other animations

The famous legend of the White Lady in Périgord, comes from the sad story of Thérèze de Saint-Clar. Her husband having caught her with her lover, she was locked in a room in the tower as punishment for her betrayal. It is said that his tormented soul returns to haunt these walls. The owners saw it, as well as some overnight guests, and visitors. This legend, which dates from the end of the ^19th century, has contributed to the reputation of the castle! Today, many curious people come to visit Puymartin to feel the presence of the White Lady there, and you, what do you think?

To play with this legend and free the soul of the deceased, register to participate in the Escape Game: The Mystery of the White Lady, organized during the Easter holidays, on weekends and then during the summer, several times a weeks. To find out more, visit the Château de Puymartin website.

The Château de Puymartin can be rented for private events, weddings, baptisms, and also corporate meetings. Possible animations, as well as restoration. Contact the Château de Puymartin to find out more.

We wish you a pleasant visit to the Château de Puymartin! Be sure to come and discover it if you pass through Périgord Noir or near Sarlat.

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