Bruniquel

Visit Bruniquel, Midi-Pyrenees

Bruniquel is a village situated 25 kilometres east of Montauban in the Midi-Pyrénées, and is a listed 'most beautiful village of France'. It is in a steep hilly location next to the Aveyron River in beautiful wooded countryside.

Exploring Bruniquel

You can enter Bruniquel through one of the medieval gateways in the defensive walls, and explore by following the steep cobbled path past the old stone buildings in this picturesque fortified village.

More unusually for this village there is also a wooden house called the Maison Belaygue, and you can also visit the Maison Payrol, a luxurious 15th century manor house just below the castle, to see what luxury living was like in Bruniquel 500 years ago.

Much of the beauty of the village lies also in the detail - the stone doorways, the turrets, etc - and the feeling that Bruniquel has not changed for many centuries (it has been used in a period film because of its unspoiled authenticity). There is also an interesting belfry in the village above a stone gateway, and several small open squares.

As well as the main village be sure to take the Rue du Barry south (from near the church) to reach place du Trouquet, and then along the rue de la Fontaine to see the traditional washhouse.

Bruniquel castles

It is the two medieval castles here that dominate both the village and the surrounding valley, being constructed on a rocky platform that is higher than the rest of Bruniquel.

Why two castles? In the 15th century the owner of the so-called 'old castle' sold a part of the terrain to a cousin after a family disagreement, who then built the 'new castle' adjacent to the old castle.

The older 12th century castle (built on the ruins of an earlier 6th century castle, claimed to have been founded by Queen Brunehaut, daughter of the king of the visigoths) has a long gallery with startling views - not for the vertiginous. This castle has some very impressive features, including the gallery itself, the knight's room, and the Reine Brunehaut Tower.

Art exhibitions and permanent exhibits about the history of Bruniquel can be seen in the chateau.

The later castle dates from the 15th century, and now contains a museum of prehistoric artefacts from the region. Most of the artefacts are from nearby caves including the Meyrieres Cave and Bruniquel Cave*. Remarkably the ancient wall paintings in the former of these caves were erased in the early 1990's by graffiti cleaners!

* Bruniquel cave itself was only explored during the last 20 years and found to contain significant items and evidence of occupation dating back almost 50000 years. The cave is not however open to the public.

Attractions nearby

The main attraction around Bruniquel is undoubtedly the countryside and the small villages hidden in the countryside. One particular highlight we recommend is the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel about 25 kilometres east of here.

Note: picture contributed by and copyright Ben Hawkins

See Midi-Pyrenees and Tarn-et-Garonne (the region and department for Bruniquel) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Bruniquel: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Bruniquel, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Gaillac 25km; Najac 31km; Albi 41km; Villefranche-de-Rouergue 44km; Saint-Cirq-Lapopie 45km; Moissac 47km; Cahors 47km; Lauzerte 48km;

Bruniquel tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Cayriech - ville fleurie 4* (19km) : Jardins de Quercy - remarkable garden (22km) : Jardin de Paradis - remarkable garden (23km) : Beaulieu en Rouergue Abbey - national monument (23km) : Jardin des Martels - remarkable garden (34km) : Parc Rochegude - remarkable garden (41km) : Jardin du palais de la Berbie - remarkable garden (41km) : Jardins secrets de Cahors - remarkable garden (47km) :

See more places and a map at places near Bruniquel