FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AVEYRON, FRANCE – Built a thousand years ago on a gigantic rock, this magnificent fortress rises above one of the most beautiful villages in the Aveyron region of France. A self-guided tour, rich with historical information, leads visitors over the moat and throughout the castle and its grounds. Only recently was this private chateau, with its lush courtyards, medieval chapels, prison and superb views, opened to the public.
Fernand Pouillon (1912-1986), architect, visionary and award-winning author and Officer of the Légion d’Honneur, devoted himself completely to the restoration of Château de Belcastel after he discovered it in ruins in 1973. Now, what was once the private residence of Fernand Pouillon offers itself as an architectural gem, a historical landmark and host to a collection of unique art galleries.
Today, the Château de Belcastel stands as a successful collaboration between art and architecture. Visitors can discover an extraordinary collection of original armors, as well as rotating exhibitions of art and sculpture curated by the owner of AFA Gallery of SoHo, New York, Heidi Leigh who has just been decorated "Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters" for her outstanding contribution to furthering the arts in France and through-out the world.
EXHIBITIONS 2017 : Armors
Permanent Exhibition : An Original collection of XV, XVI & XVII century suits of armor.
New for 2017: A singular iron copy of a suit of armor created in the 1600’s from the original that was commissioned by King Henry II of France in 1559 for his eldest son, Prince Francis II, the Dauphin.
ART EXHIBITIONS 2017
La Dame à la Fenêtre (The lady at the Window): A collaborative mural in the Prison Gallery by WOODnLeG artists Darren Le Gallo and Chandler Wood. Openings with both artists: July, 21st, 5pm-7pm
The night Circus: Contemporary Surrealism | Anne Bachelier, (French) with a new exhibition, Nicoletta Ceccoli, (Italian) Daniel Merriam (American).
Photo Exhibition: Beautiful Escapades in Averyon by Christian Baptiste.
SPECIAL EVENTS in 2017
- From April, 1st to May, 2nd | Easter Treasure Hunt for Children
Special Events in Belcastel
- 7 July-26 August: 18pm-22pm Night Market in the village on Friday evenings
- July, 22nd & 23rd | Belcastel Feast. More information [French Language Only]
LOCATION
The village of Belcastel is located in Aveyron, half way between Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Rodez (20 km West from Rodez) – Map
