Located on a rocky spur dominating the confluence of the Cère and Dordogne rivers, this "jagged outline of blood-coloured stone", as French novelist Pierre Loti called it, is considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture. The foundation stone was laid in the 13C, but it was repeatedly altered and rebuilt until the 20C. The fortress's imposing exterior gives way to a finely decorated and furnished interior that brings the place to life.