What to see in France

Explore Aveyron at the village of Belcastel, on a campsite

Village de de Belcastel dans l'Aveyron
Village de de Belcastel dans l'Aveyron

 

Once part of the ancient province of Rouergue, the pretty medieval village of Belcastel is located in the Aveyron and Occitanie regions of France. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, its rich architectural heritage is made up of characterful stone houses with lauze roofs, as well as two buildings protected as historic monuments, its castle and its bridge, for which it is famous. Situated between Rodez and Villefranche-de-Rouergue, this small village of fewer than 200 inhabitants was built on the banks of the Aveyron, in an extraordinary environment that will appeal to nature lovers and all those who choose camping to discover this enchanting place.

Which campsites are ideal for exploring Belcastel?

Belcastel Aveyron : a postcard of one of France's most beautiful villages

With almost 160 campsites in Aveyron, there's plenty of choice for anyone wishing to discover this department of the Occitanie region, which is one of the largest in the country. Mobile homes, chalets, fully-equipped tents or pitches for motorhomes, you can opt for any of the accommodation on offer at Aveyron campsites, depending on your criteria, such as budget, or whether you're going as a couple, with family or friends, and on what you're looking for, such as peace and quiet, a water park, lively evenings, kids' clubs, etc. Explore Aveyron on a campsite for a relaxing holiday in the heart of nature, even during the high season.

 

Below is a selection of campsites where you can visit one of Aveyron's most beautiful villages in France.

Municipal campsite in Aveyron: campsite with low rates

The Belcastel municipal campsite is open from the beginning of April to the end of September, and is situated right on the banks of the Aveyron river for swimming and other water sports, as well as fishing. It is 50 metres from a forest. There is a grocery shop, bar and restaurant/snack bar on site. There is a play area for your children. There are no rentals here, but around thirty pitches with electric hook-ups, most of which are fully shaded. The campsite also welcomes groups.

La Peyrade *** campsite in Rignac is just 5 kilometres from the pretty medieval town of Belcastel. Open from early April to October, it has over 30 pitches with partial shade, some of which are Grand Confort Caravans, as well as around fifteen rental units (mobile homes, chalets). There's a pond and the Aveyron river on site. Barbecues and wifi are also available. Bikes and electric bikes are available on site. There is table tennis and even a tennis court for enthusiasts. Children can have fun with the games provided. A truly ideal campsite for discovering the pretty town of Belcastel while enjoying your camping holiday. Pets are allowed on pitches and in accommodation.

The Municipal de Layoule *** campsite is located in Rodez. Just 25 kilometres from the village of Belcastel. If you're spending your holidays in Rodez, the Château de Belcastel is a must! Built in a forest and 150 metres from the Aveyron river, it has almost 90 pitches, most with electric hook-up, which you can enjoy from May to September. There's a children's playroom and a basketball court for sports enthusiasts. For your convenience, washing machines, barbecues and Wi-Fi are available. The sanitary facilities are heated, and motorhomes can use a handmade bollard inside the site, with a minimum overnight stay required.

Even 35 kilometres from Belcastel, you won't regret your stay at Le Rouergue *** campsite in Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Impossible not to section this Aveyron campsite for you! Open from May to the end of September, it's one of the Onlycamp campsites with quiet, well-shaded, spacious pitches and a friendly atmosphere. You'll be given access to the municipal swimming pool to cool off or relax with the family on hot summer days. You'll enjoy a comfortable stay, thanks in particular to the snack bar with terrace and the twenty or so chalets, mobile homes and furnished tents available for hire. There are a maximum of 75 camping pitches where you can set up your tent, caravan or motorhome, with a service area and an artisanal bollard. There's also a bar, washing machines and Wi-Fi access. A great place to discover both the bastide town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Belcastel castle!

Discover the treasures of the village of Belcastel during your camping holiday

Listed as a tourist monument, the castle dominates the village of Belcastel in every sense of the word. Set high up on a rocky spur and originally built as a simple chapel in the 8th century, this medieval fortress was built in the 11th century. Left derelict and in ruins in the 17th century, the castle was bought back and restored for 8 years in the 1970s by the famous architect Fernand Pouillon, who made it his main residence. The restoration has been hailed as "exemplary". The castle and its magnificent square keep are not to be missed. The castle is now open to the public (except in winter), although it is privately owned, and exhibits an impressive collection of medieval weapons. It also offers temporary exhibitions and guided tours.image

View of Belcastel castle and its square keep
View of Belcastel castle and its square keep© iStock
Built at the request of the Lord of Belcastel in the 15th century, the church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine is particularly charming. Inside, you can admire a superb recumbent statue of its builder, Alziac de Saunhac, as well as statues of Saint Christopher, Saint Anthony, Saint Magdalene and the Virgin and Child, all of which are listed as Historic Monuments.image
View of the church of Sainte-Marie Madeleine
View of the church of Sainte-Marie Madeleine © iStock
The old bridge
over the river was also built by Alziac de Saunhac, owner of Belcastel castle. This superb bridge was built in the 15th century to make it easier for the inhabitants to cross the Aveyron and thus facilitate trade between Belcastel and other villages. Its Gothic-style architecture is specifically feudal, and you can also admire a stone cross.image
The old bridge and its stone cross
The old bridge and its stone cross© iStock

The ruins of the old fort (5th century) are located on the Anglas rock a few hundred metres upstream from the village. The panoramic view of the Aveyron from the remains of the fort, 50 metres above sea level, is exceptional - you won't regret the climb! Below, you'll discover the Lourdou site and its cave, reminiscent of the grotto at Lourdes, an unusual and charming place that you won't regret seeing.

 

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