The XI° and XII° centuries are marked by a strong medieval dynamism created by viscounts and riche lords. For them, the valley of the Dordogne is a very important stake. The fonction of the castles became determinant when the 100 Years War started. During this dark period, the lords were trying to repel the English soldiers.

A strategic fortress

The "vicomté of Ventadour", formed around 1040, was including Egletons, Meymac, Ussel and Neuvic. As the castle was dominating the valley, it was relatively easy to defend. The King of France was even saying that all the kingdom's straw wouldn't be enough to fill in the ditches of Ventadour. Froissard described the fortress as one of the strongest castles in the world. It resisted a long time to the English troups but in 1379 it was taken by the terrifying "Geoffroy Tête Noire". In 1390, the Ventadour's family got it back and repelled the English.

The origin of the lyricism

Bernart de Ventadour was born at the foot of the castle and was one of the most prestigious troubadours at that time. He appeared on the stages of many European places and his fame was boundless. He was son of a servant and was singing such beautiful poems that the wife of the viscount of Ventadour fell in love with him. He was taken away by the viscount, jealous of his talents.

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