Bruniquel is a village situated 25 kilometres east of Montauban in the Midi-Pyrénées and is listed as one of the '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 paths passed the old stone buildings in this picturesque fortified village.
There are various pretty streets in the centre such as Rue de l'Hopital, Rue Bombe-Cul and Rue Trotte-Garce, and sooner or later all streets lead to the Place de l'Horloge, the centre of Bruniquel that is dominated by its tall stone clocktower.
Among the highlights in the village are a wooden house called the Maison Belaygue and the Maison Payrol, a luxurious 15th century manor house just below the castle: visit to see what luxury living was like in Bruniquel 500 years ago.
Be sure to see the two lead hearts on display both of which apparently contain real human hearts!
Much of the beauty of the village lies in the details - 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, 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.
There is also an exhibition about the making of the film "Le Vieux Fusil" which was filmed in Bruniquel and particularly the Chateau of Bruniquel. The film was made in 1976 and won the Cesar award for Best Film, Best Actor and Best Music. It is based on the true story of the massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane.
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*.
* 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.
Unfortunately the ancient wall paintings in the former of these caves were erased in the early 1990's by graffiti cleaners! The entrance door of the castle and the wooden carved fireplace are both in the Baroque style and worth noticing.
Attractions nearby
The main attraction around Bruniquel is undoubtedly the countryside and the small villages hidden in the countryside. We love the town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and another destination we recommend is the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel about 25 kilometres east of here.
You can find more travel ideas in the Tarn-et-Garonne guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Bruniquel
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Map of Bruniquel and places nearby
Visit near Bruniquel with France This Way reviews
Puycelsi
We particularly enjoyed the walk around the ramaparts in Puycelsi, one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'
Puycelsi guide
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
Close to the Gorges de l'Aveyron, the medieval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is one of the most attractive in the Tarn-et-Garonne
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val guide
Castelnau-de-Montmiral
The central square of Castelnau-de-Montmiral with its medieval buildings, and the views from its hilltop location, together make it very worthy of a visit
Castelnau-de-Montmiral guide
Realville
The focus in the small bastide town of Réalville is the main square, surrounded by 16th century houses
Realville guide
Vieux
The small village of Vieux was once one of the most important pilgrimage towns in the region
Vieux guide
Espinas
Visitors to Espinas usually come here to visit the Chateau de Cas with its furnished rooms and gardens to admire
Espinas guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Tarn-et-Garonne
Tourist classifications for Bruniquel
Bruniquel is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Bruniquel, Monclar-de-Quercy, Montauban, Midi-Pyrenees, 82800, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.055, longitude 1.6643
Plan your visit to Bruniquel, Tarn-et-Garonne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Cayriech: ville fleurie 4* (19 km)
- Jardins de Quercy: remarkable garden (22 km)
- Beaulieu en Rouergue Abbey: national monument (23 km)
- Jardin de Paradis: remarkable garden (23 km)
- Montauban: secteur sauvegarde (25 km)
- Gaillac: recommended detour (25 km)
- Rabastens église Notre-Dame-du-Bourg (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (26 km)
- Najac: town of art and history (31 km)
- Jardin des Martels: remarkable garden (34 km)
- Gorges de l'Aveyron: site of natural beauty (34 km)
- Jardin du palais de la Berbie: remarkable garden (41 km)
- Parc Rochegude: remarkable garden (41 km)
The French version of this page is at Bruniquel (Francais)