Beynac or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle?

Are you renting a car?

Yes!! We will have a rental car.

I'm glad you are traveling by car, there is so much to see in the area. We stayed in Beynac in Septmber and liked it. Being right on the river it is scenic and very walk-able. Easy drive to La Roque-Gageac which is really neat. Also, don't miss the Chateau Milandes which was once owned by Josephine Baker ... beautiful place and there is a wonderful story that goes with it.

We stayed at Rick's Petit Versailles which his a bit out of town near the Chateau Beynac. While it is a bit tricky to find, it was well worth the effort, beautiful room and views with great hosts and the breakfast was excellent.

I stayed in a gite in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle when I stayed in the area and found it to be a good base. The restaurant on the bridge had excellent duck. I would stay there again.

We stayed at La Tour de Causse in Castelnaud and just loved our experience. The hosts prepare a terrific breakfast every morning; and several times a week, there are optional fabulous dinners available. The atmosphere is very friendly, and we enjoyed socializing with the other French, Dutch, and Belgian guests.
I second the recommendation to visit Les Milandes. Josephine Baker was an amazing woman, and her life story is well-presented there.

We too stayed at Le Petit Versailles in Beynac and liked it a lot, but I don't think you could go wrong with either town. If you found a B&B you like in Castelnaud, why not go for it?

I was tent camping when I was there. I could see Castelnaud from my site, though I was right next to Beynac. I thought Beynac was a cute little town. You might want to avoid being on the hill between the castle and the town. Castelnaud, also a cute little town, seemed to have more lodging options (but that could just be what I saw). The castle is up on the hill and it seemed much of the town was there. I stayed in an apartment on a hill in Lyon and now try to avoid it because either coming to or going from your lodging will be a tough slog.

I stayed in Sarlat so can't help with hotels in Beynac or Castelnaud but I visited both and don't think you could go wrong, although I'm still glad we based in Sarlat. I love to have a town of some size to wander around after dinner, and don't want to have to drive to a restaurant (don't drink much but want to feel free to have some wine) and Sarlat had a nice amount of places to choose from.

Although it was 7 years ago, that was one of my all time favorite trips. I wrote a trip report that might have some useful information for you. It's at: https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/photo-safari-to-the-south-of-france-the-italian-rivera-and-the-swiss-alps-990300/page2/ The Dordogne part starts at post number 17

The photos are now at: https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p892967915

Thank you! So hoping this trip actually comes together for us!

I can second the Tour de Cause. I stayed there in 2016 and the hosts were outstanding. OMG the food.

Another vote for at La Tour de Causse in Castelnaud ! A lovely home away from home, with the most charming and hospitable hosts - and fantastic food! Breakfasts are wonderful and dinners divine. Very well located to visit a host of places - Domme, Chateau des Milandes, Monpazier, La Roque Gageac, Chateau de Beynac, the Gardens of Marqueysssac - I could go on and on. I'd be happy to send you our itinerary, if it would be helpful - just send me a message and I'll send it off. You will LOVE the Dordogne!!!