Château de Belcastel.

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Situation: The Château de Belcastel rises above one of the most beautiful villages in France, in Aveyron, 35 minutes from Rodez, 20 minutes from Rodez airport, 2:10 am from Toulouse and 2h30 from Montpellier . By plane, it is 1 hour south of Paris.

History: The history of the Château de Belcastel begins in the 8th century, with its medieval chapel. Over the next three centuries, the Aveyron castle became a powerful fortress.

In the 13th century, the lords of Belcastel were ruined during the Crusades. A direct consequence, the castle is confiscated by the crown and used as a military fort. In 1390, he became the property of a faithful knight named Saunhac. Generations of his family lived in the castle, bringing prosperity to the village below, and building the bridge and the historic church. At the end of the 16th century, the last heir Saunhac abandoned the castle, dropping it in ruins.

In 1973, the famous French architect Fernand Pouillon discovered the ruins of the Château de Belcastel. Seduced by the site, he decides to restore it and make it his home. For more than eight years, with masons and windows who lived on the property, Pouillon rebuilt and restores this historic monument, using only medieval construction techniques, without machines, to restore the castle of its original glory.

Two decades after the death of Fernand Pouillon, the castle was acquired by two New York gallerists. They gave a new life to stones, by creating exhibition spaces and opening the castle to the public. Since 2005, more than 20,000 visitors have been welcomed each year to discover the rich history, extraordinary architecture and the impregnable views of the property.

The castle: composed of a dozen pieces and three lessons with incomparable views of the Aveyron river and the village below. A medieval fortress which presents all the characteristics of a book: one enters through a bridge over a system of freshwater moat and we discover the highest dungeon in the region, frescoes, seven very large fireplaces, Colimason staircases, coat of arms, thrones, chapels, towers, a prison, vaulted ceilings ... and so on ...

The dungeon has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
The Lord's dining room is a magnificent space, with its 15th century glass windows, a spectacular fireplace, and behind it, a fully equipped commercial kitchen which offers many interesting possibilities to receive.

Fernand Pouillon has incorporated many modern and clever equipment, including a heated swimming pool in the old moat on the southern wall of the castle.

The company managing tourism activities on property is a turnkey company that can be acquired separately.

Our opinion: in my opinion, this place holds a unique place in time, to treat and to preserve with love for future generations. The castle and the work of this visionary couple is remarkable where art, history and Aveyron heritage find common ground.