The village of Belmont-sur-Rance is in the south of the Aveyron department and within the south-west (less visited region) of the Cevennes National Park.
Exploring Belmont-sur-Rance
Although it is quite a small village, Belmont-sur-Rance is very pleasant to explore, with lots of medieval houses and architectural highlights to admire in the streets around the church, including some half-timbered houses.
The village is dominated by the Collegial Church of Saint-Michel, built in the 16th century and with a spire that towers above the village. The entrance to the church is through a monumental stone porch with numerous carvings and statues centred around the Virgin Mary, and other gargoyles and carvings can be seen elsewhere on the church. Inside, the stained glass windows and the rose window are the main highlights, as well as various artworks.
Entry to the church and a guided visit is free, and includes the chance to enjoy the views from the belltower which extend across the village and south to the Monts de Lacaune
You can go down the hill from here to reach the River Rance, a stone bridge with three arches and a scenic footpath that follows along the banks of the river.
We arrived at Belmont-sur-Rance from the north and enjoyed a picnic in a small parking area as we approached the village, which had a nice view across the church and village.
The region around Belmont-sur-Rance
There is a great deal to enjoy in the natural environment around the village, including the Gorges du Rance to the east towards Mounès. Although called gorges these are really a steep valley rather than a gorge. This route is picturesque to follow (ideally by bike!) and the River Rance has many scenic highlights. This area is also well known for the number of prehistoric menhirs that can be seen.
If you are visiting during the summer you can visit the Chateau d'Esplas a short distance west of Rebourguil and to the north of Belmont-sur-Rance. This is a substantial fortified building dating from the 13th and 14th centuries and surrounded by substantial fortified walls with a tower in each corner.
During the guided visit you can see several interesting medieval works of art including stained glass windows and the 15th century Piéta Bourbonnais statue.
We first crossed this region when en-route to see the Millau Bridge. About an hour to the north-east of Belmont-sur-Rance a visit to see this modern architectural bridge is also recommended.
Travelling south from Belmont-sur-Rance you reach the Monts de Lacaune. This large open area of rolling hills and exposed plains, quiet hamlets and ancient monuments is best explored on foot if you are to truly appreciate the peace and scenery.
You can find more travel ideas in the Aveyron guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
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Map of Belmont-sur-Rance and places nearby
Visit near Belmont-sur-Rance with France This Way reviews
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Address: Belmont-sur-Rance, Millau, Midi-Pyrenees, 12370, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.817778, longitude 2.755833
Plan your visit to Belmont-sur-Rance, Aveyron
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye de Sylvanès (Sylvanes): religious monument (16 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Cirice (Brousse-le-Chateau): religious monument (23 km)
- Brousse-le-Chateau: most beautiful village (23 km)
- Fraisse-sur-Agout: ville fleurie 4* (24 km)
- Haut-Languedoc: regional natural parc (29 km)
- Grands Causses: regional natural parc (30 km)
- Mont Caroux: site of natural beauty (30 km)
- Olargues: most beautiful village (32 km)
- Peyre: most beautiful village (36 km)
- Grotte de la Devèze: site of natural beauty (38 km)
- Le Caylar: village d'etape (46 km)
- La Couvertoirade: most beautiful village (46 km)
The French version of this page is at Belmont-sur-Rance (Francais)