The best things to see and do in Belcastel, a beautiful town in France

Be part of the select quality club of The most beautiful towns in France, some of which I have visited on my recent trip through the department of Aveyron located north of Toulouse, in the region of Occitania.

Well you have to know that in Aveyron one of the highest concentrations of these occurs charming medieval towns.

And in this regard, above all it is worth highlighting Conques y Najac, two truly beautiful corners that should not be missing in your car route through the south of France.

Where is Belcastel

When you arrive to Belcastel, already in your first vision you will be aware of its beauty.

Whether you enter through the valley following the course of the river, or through the mountains, you will immediately realize the great charm that this small French town contains.

In the valley, the first thing that will catch your attention is the conglomerate formed by its stone houses crowned by the castle.

And, of course, the medieval stone bridge from 1409, built by the same architects who built the famous Avignon bridge, which shows a beautiful scene along with the church from the same period.

If you get to Belcastel From above, it is undoubtedly the figure of the 11th century stone castle that takes on the greatest prominence among the green and lush forests that surround the town.

Curiosities of the history of Belcastel

Belcastel It is a very small town, with only 48 residents throughout the year, but in this valley there is evidence that it was already inhabited in the XNUMXth century.

El Belcastel castle It was built in the year 1040, and served a surveillance function.

To pass through Belcastel in the Middle Ages a toll was established.

Throughout the history in Belcastel Numerous vicissitudes occurred, but its decline came when the castle was abandoned in 1762.

It was in 1974 when the prestigious French architect Fernand Pouillon He was enthused by the beauty of the town, and then decided to buy the ruins of the castle and begin its reconstruction.

He was not able to see it finished because he died in 1986, and is currently buried in the cemetery of the Belcastel church, looking at the castle.

Cayla Claude, mayor of Belcastel since 1983, who attended us during our visit, is very proud of the effort made in the reconstruction of the town.

What to see and do when visiting Belcastel

In this way at present Belcastel It has become a highly visited place for tourist excursions.

when you walk Belcastel You have a great feeling of stillness, at least when I did it, since there were hardly any tourists.

Crossing the bridge and sitting on a terrace next to the church with views of the town and the castle provides this feeling.

If you enter the church, you can see the tomb of Alzias de Saunhac, the first of the lords of Belcastel, who lived at the end of the 14th century.

El Belcastel castle It is currently owned by some Americans, and can be partially visited.

Furthermore, Belcastel you will find a small hotel, a farm-lodge, and even a one-star restaurant Michelin .

Best Photos of Belcastel

Here you have more photos of Belcastel, which I remind you you can visit in the department of Aveyron, south of France.

Map: how to get to Belcastel

Belcastel It is located half an hour west of the city of Rodez and about two hours north of Toulouse.