The Château de Castelnaud with kids

Inside the walls

The firing is the moment children remember, and it runs several times a day from April to November, about ten minutes, with the times posted at the entrance. Around it: a blacksmith working daily in season, a videogame about freeing an imprisoned character, six videos, and the treasure hunt — “sur les traces du trésor de Branchebrume” — whose booklet has an English version and which narrows to Saturdays only in July and August. A children’s games booklet is free for ages 7 to 12 while stocks last. What does not work is wheels: the castle states that a pram is very difficult inside and should be left at the entrance or at the foot of the artillery tower. The firing, explained.

The seasonal activities

The knights’ school takes ages 5 to 14 in the spring and autumn holidays, led by a master-at-arms. Costume try-ons run October to March in the castle kitchen, for ages 5 and over. July and August add a summer show with sword combat and, on weekday evenings, a night show.

The river half of the day

An hour inside a castle is not a day with children in it. The canoe from Vitrac runs three hours on the Dordogne and passes directly beneath these walls, with the shuttle back to base included and dogs allowed on board; the fifteen-kilometre châteaux route takes about two and a half hours with a bus transfer. Both take paddlers from age 5, and every one of them must be able to swim 25 metres; shoes are required, not sandals. Jeanine (Germany) called the route really beautiful and advised bringing swimming things and something to eat. Both routes compared.

Book the river half

Three hours on the Dordogne from Vitrac with the shuttle back to base, free parking at the base and dogs welcome on board. Minimum age 5, and every paddler must swim 25 metres. From around twenty-nine euros, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Frequently asked questions