Gallery

Christian van Dijk, brother of Pierre, will welcome you in one of the most famous art galleries in the south of France. The gallery is open from March the 15th till November the 15th. Every day except Mondays from 11.00 am to 19.00 pm and by appointment tel.: + 33 (0) 685982349. Despite its medieval appearance, the village of Beynac is very much older in origin. To control this part of the Dordogne valley, a Bronze age population occupied the site as early as the 10th and 9th centuries B.C. The castle dates from the 12th century. Its square tower doubtless designed to watch the Dordogne for Vikings going this far upriver. When the County of Périgord was established,

Beynac became one of its four baronies. The castle resisted all attacks until finally falling to Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. In the shadow of the castle the village spread around walls guarded by fortified gates. Several quarters were established and the port area which was a important stopover, till the late 19th century, for boatmen bringing al kinds of commerce down river. Classed as one of the loveliest villages in France, Beynac is a delight to visit. Meander through its ancient little streets, pass round the castle walls to the medieval chapel, catch your breath with the superb panorama over the valley. Like the artist Pissaro, the poet Paul Eluard and the author Henry Miller, Pierre van Dijk decided with his brother that Beynac is not only a place to visit but to stay in. Gallery Pierre is located on the walking route halfway up to the castle.