Château de Belcastel, Natural heritage site in Lacave, France
Château de Belcastel is a medieval castle perched on steep rocks above the village, featuring a square keep and corner towers that define its defensive design. The structure spans multiple levels with restored rooms that preserve both its original form and interior spaces.
The castle was built at a strategic location along the Aveyron River Gorge and served as a defensive stronghold during medieval conflicts in the region. Its position on this waterway made it an important control point for the area.
The castle serves as an art gallery today, with exhibitions of illustrations and contemporary pieces displayed throughout its restored medieval rooms. You can walk through the chambers and see how modern artwork shares the space with ancient stone walls.
Visitors cross a restored drawbridge to enter the castle and can join guided tours that cover multiple levels of the structure. The pathways can be steep in the upper areas, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Architect Fernand Pouillon led an eight-year restoration project in 1974, employing Algerian stonemasons to rebuild the structure entirely by hand. This craftsmanship saved the original stonework and made the project a remarkable example of careful preservation.
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