Once home to the famous Egyptian sculpture the Seated Scribe, today Château de la Treyne is one of the most unique hotels in France. This ancient medieval stronghold provides the ideal setting for rest and reflection, surrounded by history, art and nature.
Château de la Treyne is an exclusive luxury hotel that is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux brand and whose restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star. Located in the Dordogne department, between the Occitan valleys of Lot and Dordogne and right on the pilgrimage route to Compostela, this castle was built in the 14th century by Guillaume and Hughes de Roffilhac.
A defensive stronghold and refuge for nobles, some of the lesser-known pages of French history have been written within its walls. It has also been ravaged by fire over the centuries, such as when it was identified as a Huguenot refuge during the Wars of Religion in 1586 or condemned to demolition by the Parliament of Toulouse, only to be restored with patience and determination by the La Ramière family.
In the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIII, this majestic castle acquired the silhouette we see today: softened towers, residential wings and a main floor adapted to the new times.
However, it was in the 20th century that Château de la Treyne took on an unusual role. However, it was in the 20th century that the Château de la Treyne took on an unusual role. We must go back to 1945, at the end of the Second World War, when the castle was used as a hiding place for the Louvre’s masterpieces, including the aforementioned Seated Scribe, symbol of the Parisian museum.
Château de la Treyne, a dog-friendly hotel and paradise for families
Standing atop a cliff with the Dordogne River at its feet, at Château de la Treyne we are welcomed into a 300-hectare park with beautiful French gardens designed in the 20th century by landscape architect Edouard André and decorated with Medici vases, geometric flowerbeds and a vibrant rose garden. The terraces offer breathtaking views of the Dordogne, with the morning mist enveloping the landscape in a halo of mystery, birds flying at dusk, or fishermen on the shore, creating a dreamlike scene. Nearby, a forest populated by gall oaks and hornbeams preserves the spirit of the Causses du Quercy National Natural Park, ideal for truffle hunting in winter or for refreshing walks along paths lined with boxwood, truffle oaks and centuries-old trees. Here, the ‘postman’s path’ stands out, carved into the rock and offering breathtaking views of the valley.
The one who is truly happy to see us arrive is Pomme, the Gombert family’s Labrador retriever, who comes out to greet us and then disappears into the woods for endless games with our pet.
Unlike many other luxury hotels around the world, Château de la Treyne, which opened its doors in 1992, welcomes children and dogs. Our dog’s stay at the hotel is completely free of charge, and our younger guests receive a personalised welcome kit upon arrival with gifts, bathrobes, slippers, and adapted toiletries. The chef even designs special menus, always in line with your tastes and with the quality that defines the castle’s cuisine.
The hotel has eighteen rooms and suites decorated with period furniture offering majestic views. Each room has its own character, design and evocative name. Divided into five categories: Master Suites (La Favorite, La Dordogne, La Prison Dorée), Junior Suites (Le Cèdre, Gothique, La Tour, Louis XIII), Prestige Rooms (Turenne, Fénelon, Empire, Soleil Levant), Deluxe Rooms (Henri IV, Scribe, Louis XVI) and Superior Rooms (Duc, Enfant Modèle, Cardinale, Vendange), all of which are equipped with free Wi-Fi, high-end beds, air conditioning, iPads on request and access to all hotel facilities.
All rooms are designed to comfortably accommodate families, with spacious areas, additional beds, or connecting rooms. On the other hand, the Green Room can be reserved for intimate family meals. On the other hand, the Green Room can be reserved for intimate family meals.
It also has a heated swimming pool, a fast-surface tennis court and a small Romanesque chapel perfect for private ceremonies.
Your stay at this temple of refinement and luxury is complemented by excursions to local truffle markets, visits to the nearby caves of Padirac and Lascaux, and trips to natural parks such as Rocher des Aigles, where you can admire birds of prey, or Forêt des Singes, home to semi-wild monkeys. Not to mention the Borie d’Imbert farm near Rocamadour, where you can take part in cheese-making workshops, visit animals, and immerse yourself in 19th-century rural life.
Gastronomy, one of the pillars of Château de la Treyne
A passionate ambassador for local flavours and a native of Périgord, chef Stéphane Andrieux, with the invaluable help of his entire team, is responsible for shaping the top-quality products used to prepare the dishes that guests will enjoy.
His cuisine combines refined classic French techniques with contemporary creativity, using seasonal produce and the bounty of the organic garden. In addition, the château produces its own honey and eggs, demonstrating its commitment to biodiversity. Its kitchen produces sublime dishes such as foie gras in various preparations, green asparagus with truffle sauce, truffled poached egg or crayfish risotto; meats such as Quercy lamb ribs, Limousin beef, wild pigeon, and slow-cooked duck; and seafood such as Atlantic blue lobster.
Finally, the sweet touch is provided by pastry chef Marc Jean, who has been delighting the palates of the château’s guests for over thirty years.
Amidst such excellence, it is only natural that there should be a carefully selected wine list, and Château de la Treyne’s boasts outstanding wines from Bordeaux, Cahors, Bergerac and Burgundy.
This sublime gastronomic offering from Château de la Treyne can be enjoyed in different spaces, all of which are full of character and boast dreamlike views. In a place where the setting is as important as the flavours, it is the time of day or the season of the year that will determine our choice.
In the Grand Hall Louis XIII, classified as a historical monument, its monumental fireplace, coffered ceiling, antique furniture and tall windows that fill the room with natural light are both surprising and impressive. Here, dinners transport us to ancient court banquets with all their theatrical atmosphere.
For a more intimate moment enjoying leisurely breakfasts overlooking the French garden and the ancient cedar tree, the Green Lounge stands out for its stone fireplace and classic décor, which create a cosy and familiar atmosphere. It offers the possibility of reserving it for private celebrations.
When the morning blesses us with a sunny day, the terrace is a magical option. Having lunch or dinner by the river, watching the golden reflections on the water, the pastel-coloured sunsets and the swallows playing, are experiences we will remember and recommend.
Whatever room you choose, every meal at the château is a well-deserved tribute to natural beauty and the art de vivre.
At Château de la Treyne, history, comfort, gastronomy and nature come together in a dreamlike setting. Walks around the estate in the ever-pleasant company of Pomme, who is happy to guide us along the paths, the exquisite cuisine of the gourmet restaurant or the organic vegetable garden offer an unforgettable experience that combines the highest standards of hospitality with living history, making this castle not only a habitable monument, but also a living legacy that continues to write its own history.
