Château de Belflou, Medieval castle in Aude, France
Château de Belflou is a medieval castle in the Aude region featuring a rectangular layout with a central courtyard and multiple towers. A water-filled moat surrounds the entire stone structure, defining its defensive character.
King Philippe le Bel granted the estate to Philippe de Fontaynes in 1310, beginning five centuries under the family's control. This long tenure allowed the building to evolve and be modified across multiple generations.
The building displays architectural details from different centuries, visible on the north staircase tower where ornamental elements were added over time. These layers show how successive generations left their mark on the structure.
A stone bridge provides access to the castle, having replaced the original western drawbridge during later modifications. Visitors should expect uneven surfaces and steps throughout, particularly when entering the towers.
The water moat surrounding Château de Belflou is one of the last complete defensive water systems of its kind in the region. It demonstrates how water once served as a crucial component of medieval fortification.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
