Belcastel, a honey-coloured village in southern France, has been named one of the prettiest in the country and likened to the Cotswolds. The village, home to 189 people, features cobbled streets and stone-tiled roofs, and its remote history has left it largely untouched for centuries.
A step back in time
Walking into Belcastel, visitors might feel like they have travelled back in time. The settlement, located in the southern region of Occitania, can feel almost too picturesque to be real. A handful of homes, most dating back to the 15th century, sit on the banks of the Aveyron, with a stone bridge connecting the two sides.
Part of the reason for Belcastel's untouched feel is that it was largely cut off from the world for so long. At the start of the 20th century, the village could only be reached via difficult tracks, and few made the journey, leaving residents to enjoy its charms free from much modernisation.
Restoration and recognition
At the top of the village's hill is a château fort that had fallen into disrepair by 1974, when renowned architect Fernand Pouillon bought the ruins and undertook its restoration. It was restored to its former glory before locals, inspired by Pouillon's work, set about breathing life back into the ensemble of the village's houses, communal buildings and restaurants.
In 1990, Belcastel was nominated to Plus Beaux Villages de France, a list of the prettiest villages in France. The organisation's description of Belcastel reads: "Nestled in the heart of the Aveyron Valley, Belcastel has everything to charm you! Its majestic castle, lovingly restored by the architect Fernand Pouillon, proudly overlooks this medieval village. Crossing the iconic bridge that spans the rushing waters of the Aveyron, you enter an authentic Aveyron village, with traditional stone houses and slate roofs."
Attractions and practicalities
When in the village, the castle is the main attraction. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above the village, visitors can explore the interior and climb up for sweeping views over the rooftops and the Aveyron River below. A graceful stone bridge crosses the Aveyron in the heart of the village, with old houses tumbling down the hillside on one side and the castle looming above.
Vieux Pont, right by the bridge, has a strong reputation for its cooking and is listed in the Michelin Guide, serving dishes such as pigeon and mushroom crumble. Getting to the village remains tricky: it is three and a half hours by train from Toulouse Airport, or six hours from Montpellier. Belcastel's remote location means public transport options are slow and limited, so hiring a car may be advisable.
Despite being difficult to reach, it can get really busy in the summer. DFDS recently named Belcastel the French village most like the Cotswolds, thanks to its beauty and honey-coloured stone. It also shares problems with crowds: in the summer months, coaches dump loads of tourists into the town, overwhelming its small streets and making it near impossible to find a spot to eat. Arriving early in the morning during the peak season, or opting for spring or autumn instead, is wise.
