Beynac-et-Cazenac
So…where are we?
We’re staying in a small town called Beynac. Our little village sits in the Dordogne region of southwest France. The community is right along the edge of the Dordogne River and is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. I’d say so!
The crowning jewel of the town, the Château de Beynac, sits at the very tip top overlooking EVERYTHING for miles and miles. This castle is one of the best preserved in the region - built in the 12th century! Matt and I took a quick tour of the castle one cold afternoon. It’s like being transported back in time.
(You may recognize the castle from the movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore. They filmed most of the movie in this region of France!)
Rick Steves featured Beynac in one of his many travel films. You can see a little glimpse of our cottage in the footage:
Pretty neat!
Our cottage sits right next to the castle. No, really. I can walk out our front gate and go touch the castle wall. It’s pretty incredible. Of course, with such a location comes a small price to pay. We have a hefty hike to and from the car with a steep path in between. I’m used to it by now (thighs…burning…), but it’s still a challenge juggling groceries, firewood, and Tinsley. Luckily my beefy husband can carry hundreds of pounds down a slippery cobblestone path LIKE A BOSS. I’m doing my fair share too:
Don’t feel too bad for me. All the snow melted last week and we are finally enjoying “warmer” weather in the 50’s. There is nothing better than a crystal-blue sky and sunshine when you are living in southwest France. You can see for MILES!
Our littel place has an interesting history of it’s own! The house’s origins lie in the “Four Banal” (pronounced foo-er bah-nahl), meaning the “Lord’s Oven” in French. “La Four Banal” was the place where everyone was required to bake their bread - in return they were required to pay the lord of the castle for the service. Since the house is within the outer ramparts of the castle, it’s at least a four or five hundred years old!!! WHAT!?
The owners of the house (Americans) spent many, MANY months renovating the space. The “before & after” pictrues are incredible. Stephanie did a great job of keeping all the old-world charm of the house, while updating it for modern-day comforts. It’s simple, chic, and absolutely beauitful.
(Baby proofed? Not a chance. But we’ve done our best to keep Tinsley safe and happy. Nothing a little re-arranging can’t fix!! She loves the stone walls. We believe she may have a future in rock-climbing.)
We’ve really settled in here nicely. The locals are SO friendly and kind. We’ve scouted out which resturaunts are open this time of year and the best day to go to market. We’ve learned to work with the weather - rain or shine. We’ve found value in day trips to nearby villages, or just staying in to play.
I’m certain I will leave part of my heart here. I miss home - my people - but everything I need is right here within these stone walls. It may take YEARS, but we will be back one day. I just know it.
Love,
