CHÂTEAU DE PUYMARTIN

In this fairytale castle, inhabited for 600 years by the same family, Bernadette and Xavier, the owners, have plunged into the past and memories to mark the 50th anniversary of the château's opening to visitors. From closets, drawers, old trunks and attics, they have unearthed portraits, photos, everyday objects and old games... to recreate the daily life of this ancestral château. This is how they invite you to discover the life of yesteryear, the salons with antique furniture, the chapel, the Marquise's private apartments with antechambers, boudoirs and bedrooms. From cellar to attic, you'll discover how the Perigordian nobility lived under the Ancien Régime and beyond, right up to the advent of the motor car in the early ^20th century. You'll also marvel at the interpretative space of the mythological cabinet, a ^17th-century work of art classified as a Historic Monument, as well as Artemisia's bedroom, an invitation to the world of wonder. The staging of all parts of the château will appeal to all ages, and will provide a wealth of high-quality historical information.

In addition to its history, Puymartin has its legends. According to ancestral rumors, the White Lady has haunted the site since the 16th century. The story goes that Thérèse de Saint-Clar, wife of the owner, was caught by her husband fooling around with a lover. As a result, the furious husband put the unfortunate man to death and imprisoned his beloved in one of the building's countless rooms. Once dead, the room was walled up and the body of the deceased lay on the icy floor of her prison. Since then, Thérèse de Saint-Clar's soul has returned to the living. Numerous accounts mention strange noises escaping from this room or from the castle stairs. As Henri de Montbron and his son tell it, visitors and staff alike are unanimous: something paranormal gives you goosebumps in the corridors at night. Come and shiver between these thick stone walls, during fun activities open to all (5 to 99 years old). Book these theatrical evening tours or immersive games on the château's website, on the theme of "The Sword of the Ancestors".

Last but not least, at Christmas, the château is transformed for the pleasure of the whole family. Decoration, tastings, a giant nativity scene, workshops and entertainment are all on offer. So don't hesitate to come and dream in a colorful and friendly Périgord.