Belcastel Castle — Attraction in Villefranche-de-Rouergue

How often do you get to spend a night in a castle? Not a Disney castle, or something that looks like a castle, but a real life honest -to-God painstakenly restored 14th century castle. (Maybe this is a common occurance for you, and if so, bravo! But for me? Not too many castles in the US) Staying in the guest suite at Chateau de Belcastel is a genuine experience, well worth doing. I recently spent two nights at the castle. Arriving mid to late afternoon on Sunday after a very long day of traveling, I was so tired that after settling in a bit, I relaxed with a glass of wine and watched the sunset on the little patio attached to the guest suite. It is so peaceful here, so very quiet. It is almost hypnotic. When you live in the city (my home is Ft. Worth, Texas USA) even in a 'quiet' area like mine, you truly do not understand the meainng of "quiet" until you come to a place like this. The quiet is deafening. And also the dark. Be aware that when the sun goes down here it gets dark! Really dark! Of course the guest suite is fully modernized with all amenities, including lights. But it is not a bad idea to have a small flashlight available, just in case. And if you have to make a late night excursion downstairs, do this. If it is pleasent and the night is clear. Pour the remains of your wine in a glass and step outside on your private patio. Look up and have view of our galaxy that beggars the imagination. Breakfast is excellent. The staff is wonderful, very helpful and very knowledgable about the castle and the surrounding area. And if your stay includes Monday, inquire about Monday dinner. The food and drink were superb, the comapany and conversation even better! Staying at the guest suite at Belcastel is so much more than it seems. Take the time to truly explore the castle. Visit the galleries (the art here is amazing) and the town. This is an amazing place. Beautiful, dramatic, romantic. When was the last time you spent a night in a...

Amazing experience! It was a part of our trip to Albi and we decided to visit the village and the castle. I’d not expected that we would meet a true example of a medieval miracle. The story of the castle - which you can find out beyond the restoration - is impressive and motivating. There is a hotel room with a swimming pool if you want to accommodate in a cozy place for a while. It’s difficult to reach this place but it’s worth it. One of the possible difficulties is that there is only one open restaurant in the village in winter. So, please make sure to book it in advance or grab some sandwiches to have a picnic next to a beautiful river at the foot...

Se ha tratado el castillo y la historia con poco respeto. Parece que la gerencia busca más hacer negocio: 10 euros por cabeza para ver la obra de restauración de otra persona. Está lleno de obras de arte contemporáneas (cada cual con su gusto) y dragones animatrónicos que no dejan de hacer ruido ni un segundo mientras haces tu visita y que podrían pertenecer a un parque de atracciones venido a menos.

Ni siquiera lo recomendaría para que se diviertan los niños: estuvimos en otros castillos de la zona que, con mucho menos, conseguían interesar y entretener a los niños, sobre todo, haciéndoles aprender de verdad sobre cómo era la vida en un castillo en la época y respetando la historia. Aquí, metieron un par de armaduras sin ninguna correspondencia a la época, esqueletos de plástico del todo a 100, ínfimas explicaciones sobre las funciones de las estancias, el porqué de la arquitectura, ninguna información sobre quién vivió y utilizó el castillo, etc. Eso sí, una joven trabajadora nos dió una charla, después de haber pagado la entrada, sobre cómo no hay que tocar ninguno de los dragones, aunque otros estaban hechos precisamente para que los niños se monten en ellos. En resumen, un laberinto de habitaciones con decoración cutre y fuera de lugar.

Una decepción. En la oficina de turismo del pueblo no daban reseña alguna sobre el castillo, ahora entiendo la razón. El pueblo ha intentado mantener y explicar las ruinas de edificios de antiguos oficios de su época, y el castillo desmerece el sitio donde está. Más vale verlo de fuera, y visitar el siguiente en tu ruta. Merece más la pena Najac o Estaing, por dar...