Chateau Jumilhac in the Dordogne
Chateau Jumilhac
Chateau Jumilhac is in the northern Dordogne in the village of Jumilhac-le-Grand. While once a fortified chateau it is now more reminicent of the grand fairy tale chateaux of the Loire valley than the defensive chateaux of the Dordogne.
The roofs of the Chateau are quite stunning with of towers and turrets that has led Jumilhac to be described as having the most romantic roofs in France.
Sections of Chateau de Jumilhac dates back to the twelfth century. It was an important defensive chateau in the 13th century. During its history it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. During the Renaissance period parts of the castle were altered and made much more habitable with large rooms with lots of windows and beautiful wooden floors laid out in patterns.
In the Chateau you will find a a room which Louise de Hauteford was imprisoned for thirty years by her husband while he was away fighting so she could not meet other men whilst he was away. The room is known as the ‘Chambre de la Fileuse’ as her spinning wheel was almost her only activity during this time.
The Chateau de Jumilhac is on the ‘Route of Richard the Lionheart’. This route is a line of castles and villages who took advantage of King Richard going off on crusade to fortify their castles and towns against his return. Jumilhac is also on the 1001 chateaux route.
Near to the Chateau de Jumilhac in an ancient winery there is a small museum dedicated to gold, the Galerie de l’Or. Here you can learn about the gold panning that took place in this area and its uses in money, jewellery etc. It is possible to go panning for gold on the banks of the river l’Isle. Lessons take place twice a week in peak season. Ask at the tourist office for details.
Things to See at Chateau Jumilhac
Galerie de l’Or
Set in an ancient winery this museum is dedicated to gold and the gold mining that once took place in the area.
Pan for Gold
During the summer months gold panning lessons take place on the banks of the river I’Isle.
Fairytale Roof
The chateau has a stunning fairy tale roof of turrets and towers and is known as the most “Romantic roofs in France”
