From the Chateau de Mareuil to the Chateau de la Rochebeaucourt is but two leagues, but even in 1560 the journey can be fraught with danger, from the very marshy character of the river valleys and from attacks by Calvinists.
The Chateau de Mareuil is the seat of one of the four Baronies of the Perigord and therefore often frequented by great nobility and by royalty. The Chateau de la Rochebeaucourt was one of the strongholds beloved of Francois Premier, who was bonr in the region, one of the Four Rocks on whom he depended for his defence of the area.
From Mareuil, one follows the River Belle, on its South West bank, along a broad and pleasant valley, between wooded hills. In Summer it is delightful, but in Winter the whole valley can be flooded. Then it is necessary to travel on horseback, keeping to the very edge of the flood water. The ladies should be borne on litters.
Half a league from Mareuil, great care should be taken. There is a road leading off on the left, thourgh dense woodland, known as the Chemin des Assassins, because merchants are frequently attacked there on their way to or from the market of Mareuil. There is a market at Mareuil once a week and a Fair once a month.
Just after the Chateau d'Ambrelle, perched on its hill to your right, the little river Belle joins the much larger river Nizonne, whose valley you follow to La Rochebeaucourt. Again, the river valley is frequently flooded in Winter and also in the Spring, when the snows of the Auvergne melt and are brought down to the Dordogne.
At La Rochebeaucourt, you will see the Castle on your right. You must cross over the bridge, as the village of La Rochebeaucourt is on the left bank of the Nizonne, but the Castle is on the right.
If the flooding is very bad, you can follow the hill route, passing close to Sante Croix de Mareuil and coming into La Rochebeaucourt from the South.