The Belcastel Ridge Route

Park opposite the Old Bridge.

(S/E) Follow the river downstream towards the ‘Pont Neuf’. Continue to the small bridge at the edge of the village.

(1) Take the first right. At the first bend, take the path that goes straight up to reach a Fork in the road.

(2) Follow the arrow to the right and cross the Riou des Côtes stream. Turn right again and follow the yellow markings. At the top of the hill, you’ll be looking down on Belcastel, with a magnificent view of the castle, the bridge and the church. To the right, you can make out the Fort du Roc d’Anglars, which is thought to have been an outpost of the castle. Continue to the road at Bessou.

(3) Turn right onto it, head down to the castle and then into the village. At the end of the road, turn sharply right and return to the starting point (S/E).

- Wear suitable footwear.
- Take some food and drink with you.
- Hikers follow the route at their own risk. They remain responsible for any accidents they may suffer and for any damage they may cause to others (forest fires, damage to property, pollution, etc.).
- Check that your vehicle is parked in an authorised area; parking in the village is regulated (by municipal by-law).
- Stick to the marked trails and do not take shortcuts. If the route has been altered, follow the new signposting.
- Keep a low profile. We are not the only ones using the paths; be considerate of others.
- Take your rubbish away with you. Leave no trace of your visit; do not throw anything on the ground; carry a rubbish bag with you.
- Keep your dog on a lead, particularly near houses or livestock.
- Close gates and fences behind you, and walk around crops. Please respect the work of those who shape and preserve our environment.
- Observe the rules in certain areas.
- Do not light fires. Areas with dense vegetation (forests) or those that are too exposed (scrubland, dry heathland, etc.) can catch fire very quickly.
- Do not drink water from streams. Clear water does not necessarily mean it is safe to drink.
- Check hunting seasons; some routes may be dangerous.

Belcastel Castle (private property) was founded around 1040, built around a 9th-century pre-Romanesque chapel. It was completed in the^15th century by Alzias de Saunhac, Lord of Belcastel, who also commissioned the construction of the church and the bridge.
In^{the 17th} century, the fortress was left to fall into disrepair. In 1975, Fernand Pouillon, a brilliant architect, bought the castle ruins and restored them. He died in 1986 and is buried in the village cemetery. The castle is privately owned but open to visitors. Subsequently, the Town Council undertook the restoration of the village centre, which was completed in 2003. Since 1990, Belcastel has been listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’.