Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, the small town of Belcastel takes place in the department of Aveyron, not far from Rignac. With less than 200 inhabitants, it is located in the Massif Central, not far from Clairvaux-l'Aveyron, Goutrens and Colombiès.
Medieval village with rich and fascinating history, Belcastel was built around its 11th century castle. Peaceful and tranquil over the centuries, it is today a Mecca for tourism in the region thanks to its incredible architectural heritage and its quaint charm. Walking through the narrow streets, you will travel back in time to the Middle Ages, imagining the life of the inhabitants at the time.
Belcastel also seduces with its natural heritage and its exceptional landscapes conducive to walks with friends or lovers.
Listed as a historic monument, the castle was completely restored between the mid-1970s and early 1980's. Imposing medieval building that was once home to the family of Saunhac, it is above all a fortress built on a small rocky emergence on the banks of Aveyron. Founded in the mid-eleventh century, it was completed in the fifteenth century. It is now open to the public from April to November, offering guided tours and temporary art exhibitions, as well as a large collection of medieval armaments.
Built in the 15th century by Alzias de Saunhac, then lord of Belcastel, the church of Saint-Madeleine welcomes the tomb of its founder with a beautiful lying. It is possible to admire in the interior four statues classified as Historical Monuments as an object, including a Madonna and Child, Saint Madeleine, Saint Christopher and Saint Anthony, as well as a contemporary Way of the Cross.
Also built in the 15th century by Alziac de Saunhac, the bridge reveals a typical medieval architecture. He participated in commercial exchanges between the village and the surrounding villages. Gothic style, it also presents a stone cross of the twelfth century.
While strolling in the village, you will also be able to discover the bread oven, the small winding lanes or the chairs of the lord. Carved in the rock of Roquecante, even shale, the latter date from the sixteenth century.
500 m upstream from the village, do not miss the ruins of a fort of the fifth century, above the cave of Lourdou.
In the old forge recently restored, you can enjoy trades of the past with three levels, the blacksmith in his living environment, the fisherman of Aveyron with his flat-bottomed boat or the clog and tools.
Night markets are offered on Friday nights in July and August.
A quine is organized by the Tourism Info Point in March.
In June, place at the fires of Saint-Jean on the banks of the Aveyron.
The penultimate Sunday of July, Belcastel proposes its votive festival with its mass and its animations.
The first Sunday of September, the National Village Day is an opportunity to discover a flea market and a garage sale.
