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BELCASTEL

Belcastel, a little jewel on the banks of the Aveyron.

The pretty little village of Belcastel is listed as one of the most beautiful in France. Located in the Aveyron, 25 Km east of Rodez, it is set in amongst wooded slopes where there is nothing to disturb either its peace or its architectural beauty

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BELCASTEL - Aveyron (12)

In the heart of the Aveyron valley, far from the madding crowd, Belcastel is lulled by the murmuring of the river. A fierce-looking 11th century castle watches over this ancient castelnau through which run many steep cobbles streets.

Enjoying a state of near perfection, Belcastel draws its architectural unity from the schist which clothes it from head to foot. This hazel coloured stone is everywhere, giving character to the tastefully restored houses, the staircases, bread ovens and fountains. Typical of the Middle Ages with its narrow humpbacked bridges, its cobbled streets and its oratory, a superb 15th century bridge spans the Aveyron, whose banks are elegant and neat.

With only birdsong as background noise, streams cascading between the houses, wisteria and rays of amber on the flagstone roofs, Belcastel is a small restful paradise. It is hardly surprising that the architect François Pouillon devoted himself passionately, in the 1950s, to restoring the feudal castle. This is set out in a polygon of powerful walls flanked by five round towers. A square keep stands inside the walls.

While visiting Belcastel stop at the Hôtel-restaurant du Vieux Pont: an excellent address where you can savour the talent of Nicole and Michèle Fagegaltier, the two sister prodigies of Aveyron cooking.

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