There are many delightful chateaux in the Perigord, and many of these are quite close to Brantome, in the Perigord region of France. This list contains a wide range of historical chateaux and their splendid gardens, dating from the Middle Ages through to the Renaissance and the classical 17th century. Some are open in just July and August, others most of the year, but it's worth checking their websites for updated visit times.

There are seven chateaux located within an hour by car from Brantome, as follows: Puyguilhem is a stunning early Renaissance, Val de Loire style castle with sculptured decoration. La Chapelle Faucher overlooks the Coles Valley in the High Perigord and has been in the same family for over 500 years. Richemont castle and funeral chapel were the final resting place of 16th century Brantome abbot and author, Pierre de Bourdeilles. Chateau de Bourdeilles was one of the four former baronies of the Perigord and comprises a feudal fortress and Renaissance palace. The furniture was added later, donated by the previous owners. Chateau de Puymartin has been in the same family since 1450 and has some outstanding furniture and tapestries, as well as 17th paintings.

Les Bories has a magnificent gothic kitchen, monumental stone staircase, and terrace overlooking the river Isle. Chateau de Jumilhac has an interesting history: the first count of Jumilhac was an alchemist and scholar who left a mysterious imprint on this impressive estate. He was so covetous of his wife that he kept her a prisoner in a room for 30 years, where she spent her time spinning. The castle is magnificent, and the gardens astonishingly beautiful.

If you can travel just a little further, there are another nine beautiful chateaux to visit. These include the Montreal, which was built in the 12th century and then added a chapel in the 16th century. Hautefort is one of the most important chateaux in the Perigord, furnished with 17th and 18th century furniture, and is surrounded by a fine park and lovely terraced gardens. Lanquais is one of the most beautiful chateaux in the region, often known as the 'unfinished Louvre' of the Perigord. It has Renaissance-style furnished and decorated apartments. Monbazillac is located in the Monbazillac vineyards, combining defensive battlements with gracious Renaissance touches. Taste the regional wines and dine in the chateau restaurant. Castelnaud is a feudal castle, and museum of war in the middle ages, with excellent collection of weapons and instruments of warfare.

Chateau d'Eyrignac is a lovely manor with stunning gardens, reputed to be one of the finest in France. Fenelon is a furnished castle overlooking the Dordogne Valley, where the great Fenelon, author of 'Telemarque' was born in 1651. Losse has outstanding 16th and 17th century decor and furniture. A spectacular view from terrace and gardens of the Vezere Valley. The Chateau de Biron is another former barony of the Perigord, and this historic castle has a 12th century donjon, a two-storey chapel, Renaissance apartments and an impressive vaulted kitchen.

Although the Loire Valley is often most famous for its chateaux, don't overlook these jewels of the Perigord! Bon Voyage.

Angela Clarke is the author of a historical picture book on Brantome, one of the most visited towns in the Dordogne district of France. She has also launched an accommodation and insider's guide to Brantome on website, a source of information on where to stay, where to eat and what to do in Brantome and surrounding areas. It is not advertiser linked and provides a mine of information gathered by locals to the area.