Castle Sauveboeuf

Aubas, France, France

---

The Château de Sauveboeuf is a 17th-century castle located in the commune of Aubas in the Dordogne department of France, nestled in the Périgord Noir region near Montignac-Lascaux.

It was originally built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the early 17th century after being destroyed in a duel-related event by order of Cardinal Richelieu. The castle features a Louis XIII style with Renaissance influences, including a beautifully terraced courtyard overlooking the Vézère River. It belonged to prominent families like the Ferrières and the Mirabeaus, with the revolutionary figure Mirabeau spending time in exile there.

Since 1987, the castle has been owned by Claude Douce, a collector who opened it to the public as a museum housing one of the world's largest private collections of prehistoric artifacts, showcasing items from famous sites like Lascaux and Cro-Magnon.

The château’s cellar vaults display an extensive prehistoric collection that illustrates humanity’s evolution through various periods and innovations. The surrounding Aubas village is known for its scenic charm, historical heritage, and the nearby panoramic viewpoint called L’Escaleyrou, which offers stunning views of the Vézère Valley.