Last weekend here in France were the Days of the Patrimoine, loosely translated as everything Cultural including the architecture, buildings and the beauty of the magestic castles here in the Perigord Noir. Doors are open to the public to view them and celebrate the years of continual renovations to keep them going. I went on a guided visit to my local castle here in Salignac. I have been many times before and even translated quite a few of the texts situated throughout this beautiful building. The visit was expertly arranged by the Manager, Laura, who is also my next door neighbour.

She explained to our little group the Chateau’s early existence in the Middle Ages including who lived there. There were 11 Co Seigneurs living with their families in and around the Chateau. It is interesting to note that around the base of the hill there were manor houses, some still in existence, others are buried deep within the ground below. The family Starckmann, who now own the Chateau, have in the last few years slowly found evidence of archways, staircases and windows which are of these former buildings. One of these staircases was open on this special day. It lead down to the first level underneath with stones crumbling and broken. It looked too hazardous for me and a few other “oldies ” so I didn’t chance it.

Next we went in to the castle and viewed the armoury room with it’s amazing stone floor. Called pise, which are small stones laid in one square metre piece by piece over sand– we were told it took them a day of work for one square metre. The floor area is about 40 square metres. We also went outside to look at le donjon ie the tower at the side of the castle, where I had never been to this part before. This is where the focus is to renovate and save it from complete ruin.

Costing over 500,000 to completely restore it, it is obvious that the State could help but time is of the essence. They need a lot of paying visitors to help contribute to their National Heritage. I enjoyed my visit and will continue to give them my support.

A Scottish Connection

By complete coincidence this next part is about another castle but the difference is the village where it is situated, in the Cher/Loire region called Aubigny sur Nere. Known as the Cite Stuart and was given to the family Darnley in the 15th century as a gift to the Scottish military who had helped during the Hundred Years War against the English enemy.The Auld Alliance between France and Scotland was a treaty signed in 1295 to act as friendship bond between the two countries and which still exists today.

John Stuart of Darnley was the King of England’s cousin, and was chief of the military forces. The Chateau has Renaissance architecture formerly but a huge fire in 1512 nearly destroyed it.
After partial reconstruction it remained in its Scottish family until 1672 when it was handed back to the French crown under Louis XIV. It was then bequeathed to Louise de Kerouaille who became Duchess of Aubigny.

She totally transformed it and created the Grands Jardins surrounding the castle. Nowadays it is considered one of the treasures in La Patrimoine de la France .Each summer they host a huge festival , Fetes Franco – Ecossaises, with kilts and pipes !

Waiting for the bus

A new initiative by our lovely Mayoress started today, the 30th September. The reinstating of the transport to Sarlat by bus. The school bus it is too ! I was first to put my name on the list for the bus ride. I don’t have a car and have to rely on friends as to when they can take me. I am not alone with that, as there are many in the village who need this service.

At only 2 Euros, return, we hopped on, looking forward to our little trip. It felt like the holidays, as everybody waved us off.
It leaves from the Marie in Salignac at 9h and we return at 12h. Twenty minutes later we are in the heart of Sarlat and it was lovely to stroll around as it was market day too. Still very busy with tourists.

I stopped at my favourite restaurant/baker Lissajoux for a coffee and chatted to the owner Jean. He was delighted to see me as it had been a long time since I hadn’t been.

Sarlat – old church

I went to the market, sat in the beautiful church, and generally behaved like a tourist myself !
I shall return soon I am very sure.

Fifi’s stories from rural France
30th September 2026