Nouvelle-Aquitaine · Dordogne, France

Château de Commarque

The 'forgotten fortress' of the Beune valley: a whole medieval village-castle swallowed by forest for four centuries, being patiently uncovered since 1968 by Hubert de Commarque, descendant of its founders. Beneath the keep, a prehistoric cave with carved horses — 15,000 years of occupation on one rock.

At a glance

Built: 12th–14th centuries (over prehistoric site)
Style: 'Forgotten fortress' castrum
Commissioned by: Commarque and Beynac lines
Signature feature: A complete castrum — castle, chapel, knights' houses — emerging from forest
Deep time: Engraved Magdalenian cave beneath the castle rock (not open to visits)
The rescue: Cleared and consolidated since 1968 by the founder's descendant
Setting: Wild Beune valley, facing the Château de Laussel
Visiting: Open to visitors (seasonal calendar)