Every spring, the Périgord turns into an open-air theatre. Castles, manor houses and country residences lift the veil on their inner courtyards, their secret gardens, their reception rooms… and invite you to share moments you will not forget in a hurry.
The 2026 edition is over. Châteaux en Fête ran from 11 April to 3 May 2026. The next edition will take place in spring 2027 — the castles listed below can be visited all year round, and this article remains a good starting point for planning your visit.
Save the date 11 April — 3 May 2026 · · ·
So what is Châteaux en Fête?
Created by the Dordogne Périgord tourist board, this event brings together more than 100 historic houses every year, each putting on exclusive activities around its own monument for almost three weeks.
On the programme: guided tours led by the owners themselves, concerts, son et lumière shows, fireworks, candlelit dinners, medieval banquets, talks, workshops for children, sporting activities and food tastings…
What makes it unique? These are not museums frozen behind glass. They are living, inhabited places that come alive for you — and are often introduced by their owners in person.
Practical information
- Dates
- From 11 April to 3 May 2026
- Where?
- Across the whole of the Dordogne Périgord — more than 100 castles, manor houses and country residences spread throughout the department
- Who for?
- Families, couples, groups of friends — the activities suit every age
- Prices
- They vary by property and by activity — some entries are free, others are paid
- Programme
- All the activities on the official site →
- Castles
- All the participating properties →
A few unmissable ones around Villeréal
Staying nearby? Here are the properties not to miss within easy reach of Dévillac:
- Château de Biron (30 min): one of the most imposing castles in the Périgord, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the hills on the edge of the Lot-et-Garonne. Fireworks, medieval activities and an exceptional panorama.
- Château de Gavaudun (20 min): a fortress set high on a rocky outcrop above the Lède valley. Surprising family activities in a wild, unspoilt setting.
- Château des Milandes (45 min): a remarkable setting with gardens in full bloom in spring and a free-flight birds of prey display. Ideal with children.
- Château de Bourdeilles (1 hr): a twin medieval and Renaissance castle on the banks of the Dronne, one of the most remarkable ensembles in the Dordogne.
Our tip: plan your route in advance on the official site, filtering by type of activity, date or area. Some evenings — candlelit dinners, concerts — sell out within days. Don’t leave it too late! · · ·
Why the Périgord in April and May is magical
Spring is arguably the finest season to discover the heritage of the Périgord. The moats reflect a blue sky, the parks come into flower, the days grow longer… and the crowds have not yet arrived. You get all of it, without the summer crush.