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BROUSSE-LE-CHÂTEAU

Brousse-le-Château, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Raspes du Tarn

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Brousse-le-Château is hidden deep in the Aveyron countryside, 60 Km south of Rodez. Protected from the rest of the world, away from the main roads, and yet it is only an hour's drive from the Millau Viaduct road.

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BROUSSE LE CHATEAU - Aveyron (12)

Downstream from Millau, the valley of the Raspes du Tarn runs an untamed course, almost unfrequented and yet magnificent. A rocky gorge through which emerald-green water winds, breathtaking views, churches perched high up, delightful villages, little roads along the Tarn lead us from one discovery to the next and Brousse-le-Château lends itself willingly to the show.

Brousse-le-Château is stretched out in terraces in an idyllic setting at the confluent of the Tarn and the Alrance, at the foot of its castle, whose origins are said to date back to Charlemagne. Houses of character, walls of schist and roofs of flagstone, little streets crisscrossed with stairways, a beautiful 15th century church and oratory, the old village is accessible by a Romanesque vaulted bridge paved with large cobblestones. On 14th July, people flock there to admire the lighting up of the castle, one of the most beautiful firework displays in the region.

Built to watch over the Tarn, the castle stretches over a vast rocky platform above the river. From the 13th to the 18th century it was one of the strongholds of the Arpajon family. Only partly restored, its walls, main building and open gorge towers (a rarity) give it a genuine authenticity. Its landscaped main courtyard encourages the visitor to linger and enjoy the serenity of the place. You can also see small themed exhibitions in the rooms of the castle.

Around Brousse-le-Château, the hillsides are still laid out in «paredous», the old terraces where in times gone by vines and fruit trees were cultivated.

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