Hautefort, a majestic castle and an instructive hôtel-dieu
Want to escape to a more intimate corner of the Dordogne? Head for Hautefort, one of the major visitor attractions near Brive.
A stopover in the heights of Périgord Noir, in the east of the Dordogne department, is a must. And there's no need to shout, Hautefort awaits you peacefully and serenely. A pleasant village with a well-preserved heritage not to be missed.
Hautefort: gaillard and responsible destination!
- In 2016, the Hautefort castel was awarded the NF Environnement label : visit site, making it the first eco-labeled castel in France.
- Take a stroll along the magnificent paths of the castel gardens, which are tended with the environment in mind: manual or mechanical weeding, treatments using ecological products, introduction of ladybird larvae, etc.
- Discover the experimental organic vegetable garden, with old plants and vegetables grown from non-hybridised seeds, to rediscover the flavours of the past... And leave with seeds for sale in the shop.
- Take advantage of a range of workshops to pass on your knowledge: bread-making, cuttings, etc.
What to see in Hautefort
The castle, a must-see
As you approach Hautefort, the castle's majestic presence in the landscape creates a very special atmosphere: in mid-season, it's not unusual to see it sailing on sheets of mist from the top of its rocky spur. The majestic edifice is an ancient medieval fortress that was transformed into a pleasure residence in the 17th century by the Marquis of Hautefort.
In the 20th century, the Baron and Baroness de Bastard bought it and restored it. Unfortunately, this work of preservation was reduced to ashes by a terrible fire in 1968. But it took more than this to discourage the Baroness de Bastard - now a widow - from launching a new campaign to save this historic site.
The Queen of England at Hautefort castel
When you come to the castel, you can admire the two portraits dedicated by Queen Elizabeth of England, mother of Queen Elizabeth II, who came to visit the Baroness de Bastard in 1978.
The castle gardens
The Hautefort castel would probably not be what it is without its incredible French gardens and 30 hectares of landscaped parkland. First laid out in the 17th century, these green spaces were redeveloped over the centuries to enhance the splendour of the site.
Today, you can discover more than 3 hectares of boxwood parterres, a planted pergola almost 70 m long and a lawn made up of more than 10,000 boxwood plants, all pruned by hand please!
The Museum of the History of Medicine
Located in the Hôtel-Dieu, built in 1662 by the Marquis Jacques-François de Hautefort, the Museum of the History of Medicine houses a collection of over 6,500 objects, medical and surgical instruments, some of which are rare, and over 2,000 medical works, some of which are exceptional. In this way, it fulfils its essential objective of promoting this unique hospital in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, as well as acting as a "memory transmitter" in the medical field. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Activities at Château de Hautefort
- Visit the castle at dusk, every Wednesday during the summer, with your little Gaillards
- Take part in workshops:
- Little gardener workshops
- Little artist workshops
- Telling the story of the castle's history and architecture
- Become an actor in the film studio
-Make bread (the Hautefort palet) and bake it in the castle's bread oven.
What to do around Hautefort
- Visit Saint-Robert and Ségur-le-Château (listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France).
- Explore the many footpaths of Ayen form bottom to top.
- Discover the industrial heritage of the Auvézère Valley: the Vaux papermill and the Savignac-Lédrier forges.
Bon plan Hautefort castle and its well-tended garden
Around the year 1000, Lord Guy de Lastours knew nothing about topiary, the art of pruning trees and shrubs in an architectural manner. What he did like was to cut down an enemy with his sword, and at rest time feel safe behind the thick walls of his fortress. Less bellicose and more refined successors embellished Hautefort Castle from the 17th century onwards, adding a splendid formal garden where you can now stroll between lace-like yew and boxwood bushes.
Hautefort Castle,
Le bourg,
24390 Hautefort
05 53 50 51 23
Practical information
Where is Hautefort?
The village of Hautefort is 30 km from Montignac, 70 km from Sarlat and 40 km from Brive. It takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to get there by car from Brive.
Preparing your visit to Hautefort
- Open from April to November
- For the château and gardens: self-guided or guided tours (for groups only) every day from April to October, weekends and public holidays in March and November. Opening times and prices: www.chateau-hautefort.com
- For the Museum of the History of Medicine: tours every day and guided tours by appointment during the opening period from April to November. Opening times and prices: www.musee-hautefort.fr
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