Commarque was founded in the 12th century, or possibly slightly earlier, at the request of the abbots of Sarlat. The article names no builder or architect. It is a defensive hillside castle on a rocky outcrop above the Beune valley. It began as a wooden tower, later replaced by a stone keep that was raised gradually until the 18th century. A prehistoric cave lies beneath the castle.
The Beynac family, lords of the area, controlled the castle and lived in the keep. The English captured it in the Hundred Years' War and held it for several years. Catholic forces took it during the French Wars of Religion, because the Beynacs were Protestant partisans.
It was abandoned in the 18th century. Hubert de Commarque bought it in 1972, and restoration has continued since 1994. It has been listed as a monument historique since 1943.
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