Château de la Finou

Château de la Finou (also known as Château de Laffinoux) is a historic castle and park estate in Sainte-Colombe, part of the commune of Lalinde, in the Dordogne region known as Périgord Pourpre.

What is there to see?

The building took shape gradually between the 15th and 18th centuries, blending several architectural periods. Its core is a walled quadrangle reinforced with low towers and partly protected by a moat — a layout typical of an old fortified noble residence. The main courtyard is dominated by a round 15th-century tower and a rectangular Regency-style pavilion with a terraced gallery, added in a later building phase. The whole property sits within a 100-hectare wooded domain, giving the castle a secluded, forest-hidden feel despite being only a short drive from the centre of Lalinde.

What is the history behind the castle?

The estate was first held in the 16th century by the Villadary family, before passing to the d'Espaigne family and later, through a Lady Blanc de Lauvezin, to the La Cropte-Chantérac family. In the late 19th century the castle became the home of Hilarion Ballande, a tragedian actor, who had an open-air theatre built in the grounds. After 1945 the Liard family began restoring the property, and in the 1970s handed it over to the French broadcaster ORTF (today France Télévisions), which turned it into a holiday centre for its staff. The castle has been listed on the French inventory of historic monuments since 29 November 1948.

Can you visit the interior?

The estate is still privately owned and has operated for decades as a holiday resort — currently branded Domaine de la Finou — rather than a museum open to casual visitors. Several types of accommodation are available: rooms inside the castle itself (double or twin beds), cottages for 4 to 7 people with a kitchenette and terrace, "eco-habitats" for 4 to 8 guests, and pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. An on-site restaurant serving regional dishes runs seasonally, roughly from late May to early September, with an additional snack bar open through July and August.

What can you do on site?

Guests staying at the resort have access to a golf area with a practice range and a 9-hole compact course, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a petanque pitch, outdoor fitness equipment, hiking and mountain-biking trails with bike rental, archery, and canoeing. A temporary swimming complex is planned for summer 2026. Children aged 2 to 17 can join kids' clubs during French school holidays, and pets are welcome.

How do you get there?

Domaine de la Finou is located about 5.9 km from Lalinde railway station, an easy taxi or transfer ride away. The nearest airport is Bergerac, roughly 28.5 km away, making it a practical entry point for international visitors. The Périgord Pourpre area is well connected by road to Bergerac and the rest of the Dordogne valley.

What else is nearby?

Within about 33 km you'll find some of the Dordogne's best-known sights: the town of Bergerac, the prehistoric sites of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the castles of Beynac, Castelnaud and Milandes, the celebrated Marqueyssac gardens, the Rouffignac cave, and the Préhistoparc theme park. That makes the area around Château de la Finou a convenient base for exploring the Dordogne valley.

Frequently asked questions

Is the castle open to outside visitors? There's no regular guided tour — the grounds and interior are mainly accessible to guests staying at the on-site holiday resort.

How old is Château de la Finou? The oldest parts, including the round tower in the courtyard, date from the 15th century, with construction continuing through to the 18th century.

How can you get there without a car? Lalinde railway station is under 6 km from the castle, and Bergerac airport is about 30 km away.

What activities are available besides sightseeing? The resort offers golf, tennis, volleyball, petanque, archery, canoeing, and hiking and biking trails, plus a summer swimming complex and children's clubs.