An early morning winter visit to the Maison Forte de Reignac giving an insight into life in past ages with it's fascinating torture museum (both horrifying and illuminating ; an option in the morning - I'll leave you to discover this part of the Maison Forte de Reignac), found half an hours drive from La Roque-Gageac.
This visit seeps in history starting from prehistoric times when the caves where used by hunter gathers as a place to rest up, to the first constructions in the middle ages when the manor house walls were incorporated into the caves of the limestone escarpments to produce a formidable troglodyte defensive location over looking the Vezere River.
After paying (the cost is very reasonable) you will make your way following the signs through rooms furnished with antiques (including some great lamps, chandeliers and working inglenook fireplaces) showing how life at home would have been during the past ages with informative displays and exhibits (including a great piece of how they fed prisoners in the dungeon).
Walking around you will easily spend a good hour or two ( it's a bit of a "Doctor Who Tardis"; bigger inside than it looks from the outside) with lots of steps to climb and things to see, it's well worth the visit ..
↑ View from over the valley from the cliff observation zone
written : 2017 / latest update : 2021
