Description:

Belcastel is a small village in the north west of the Aveyron department on the banks of the Aveyron River.

Geography

Belcastel is located about 25 km west of Rodez and most of the buildings are located on the steep north bank of the river Aveyron.  The chateau sits on a rocky outcrop high above the village it was built to protect.

Tourism

Castel means castle or chateau and bel can mean either war like or fortified, depending on the language.  The chateau has built during the 11^th century, with the walls enclosing the chapel already present on the site.  During the 15^th century, the five arch bridge across the Aveyron river was constructed along with the church on the south bank.

The chateau was abandoned in 16^th century and would have become completely derelict, but the French architect, Fernand Pouillon bought the chateau and restored it with his own funds between 1975 and 1982.  Following this, the village residents restored their homes and streets during the 1980s.

The village is particularly attractive, with its cobbled streets and if visiting out of season, you could almost have the whole place to yourself.  The village is now listed by the Plus Beaux Villages de France association, which has its Aveyron headquarters in the village.  Ten villages in Aveyron are now part of the association; Belcastel, Brousse-le-Château, Conques, La Couvertoirade, Estaing, Najac, Peyre, Saint Côme d'Olt, Sainte Eulalie d'Olt, Sauveterre-de-Rouergue.

Economy

The village is totally reliant on tourism and out of season it is virtually empty.

Transport

By train the nearest station is in Rodez and with the typical lack of any real public transport, either a taxi or hire car will be required.

Rodez airport is only 25 km east of the village and is served by Ryanair from Dublin and Stansted.  Air France operates a route to Paris while Hex air will get you to Lyon.  Take a look at our travel pages for more information and web links.

Links

Belcastel chateau has its own website as does the village Mairie.

Check out Guide2MidiPyrenees for Property in Midi-Pyrenees, Events, News, Classifieds, Places to Stay, Midi-Pyrenees Attractions and Business Directory.