Themed selection of four castles in Aveyron (Rouergue) rescued from ruin in the 20th and 21st centuries: Belcastel, Bournazel, Calmont d'Olt and Brousse-le-C
From their ruins: four castles in Aveyron saved by an architect, villagers and enthusiasts
Belcastel, Bournazel, Calmont d'Olt and Brousse-le-Château were destined for oblivion. An architect, a couple of patrons, an enthusiast and a village association have revived them: four tales of rescue to prepare for the 2027 season.
Editorial journal · Carte des Châteaux ·
Rouergue, d'une ruine à l'autre
In November, most castles in Aveyron close their doors until spring. Yet this is the perfect time to tell their most recent story—the one not emblazoned on their coats of arms. Fifty or sixty years ago, Belcastel served as a stone quarry, Bournazel housed a convalescent home with plaster-covered interiors, Calmont d'Olt was little more than a pile of walls atop its basalt crag, and Brousse's castle, owned by the commune, doubled as a presbytery. Today, all four are open to visitors. Each was saved by a different figure: a renowned architect who worked with his own hands, a couple of patrons, a history enthusiast turned site manager, and a group of villagers. Four ways to save a castle—worth remembering for a trip to Rouergue next year.
Bournazel Castle
Did you know? Three figures behind these walls
Fernand Pouillon
1912-1986
Architect of the reconstruction of Marseille's Old Port and grand ensembles in Algiers, he is also the author of the novel Les Pierres sauvages (1964), inspired by the building of the Thoronet Abbey. At Belcastel, he spent years of his life rebuilding the castle with local materials, then lived there until his death. He is buried in the village cemetery.
Raymond de Calmont d'Olt
mort en 1298
Last representative of the Calmont d'Olt lordly line, he became Bishop of Rodez and launched the construction of the city's Gothic cathedral. With him died the family that gave its name to the castle overlooking Espalion.
Jean de Buisson
XVIe siècle
Lord of Bournazel through his marriage to Charlotte de Mancip, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Cérisoles in 1544 and received the Order of Saint-Michel. It was he who commissioned the castle's Renaissance-style reconstruction around 1540.
Which castle for which desire?
Preparing your visit for spring
Other castles in Occitanie and other rescues
Road trip : 5 jours à travers les châteaux d'Occitanie
Two-day driving itinerary in the north of the Lot, from the fortress of Castelnau-Bretenoux to the Renaissance châteaux of Montal and AssierWeek-end in the Haut-Quercy: Castelnau-Bretenoux, Montal and Assier
History, restoration and gardens of the Château du Rivau, in the Loire ValleyLe Rivau nearly vanished: how this Loire château was given a second life
Sources