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Château de Falaise
From the Loire valley - via Le Mans - towards Normandy. First stop was Falaise, where William the Conqueror was born. The construction of this castle started in 1123 by Henry I of England. -
Fougères
What a picturesque castle this is! -
Fougères
Now THIS is a castle. Built from 12th to 15th century, it occupies an area of two hectares. -
Fougères
Fougères castle. The original wooden one was destroyed and a new one built in 1176. The Gobelin tower is from the 13th century. -
Château de Beynac
The castle was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac, and later remodelled and enlarged. -
Château de Beynac
The oldest part of the castle is a large keep on the right. Unfortunately, I could not convince other members of the family to visit yet another castle... -
La Roque-Gageac
Oh, another spectacular village. -
La Roque-Gageac
A truly spectacular village. -
Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
The ancient medieval fortification dates from the 12th century. It does have a spectacular location. -
La Roque-Gageac
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La Roque-Gageac
Yes, it's right up there. A troglodyte fort. The wall's been occupied since the prehistoric times and the fort built in the 12th century. -
La Roque-Gageac
Le manoir de Tarde from the 15th century. -
Dordogne river
Climbing the exposed stairs might be scary for some. For me it was just insanely hot. But the views are rewarding. -
Dordogne river
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Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
Unfortunately, I have very little information about the castle... -
Dordogne river
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Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
Occupied since prehistoric times, the fort was built in the 12th century. -
Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
What an interesting curtain. And one of the modern pillars, keeping the fort stable. There were way too many collapses in recent past. -
Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
This are the stairs I was talking about. Hot hot hot. -
Le fort de la Roque-Gageac
I mean... how cool is that entrance? -
Château de Montfort
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Rocamadour
Another fascinating place: Rocamadour. -
Rocamadour
One could go down the stairs. And up the stairs again. Or not. -
Rocamadour
Spectacular place. Already inhabited in the Paleolithic. The town peaked in the 12th century. 12th century!