Castelnou is part of Most Beautiful Villages in France and establishes itself as one of the emblematic villages of the Catalan Country. Nestled in the heart of the Aspres, a few kilometers from Thuir, it offers a striking decor with, in the background, the majestic Canigou.

Clinging to the hillside, Castelnou gradually reveals its medieval silhouette when you arrive from Thuir. Between wild hills and Mediterranean light, the village seems out of time.

A spectacular arrival from Thuir

Coming from Thuir, after the visit of the famous Caves Byrrh — known for housing one of the largest oak vats in the world — the road winds through the Aspres. Then, suddenly, Castelnou appears, dominated by its viscount castle.

This combination is ideal for a day of discovery : industrial heritage in the morning at Caves Byrrh, medieval immersion in the afternoon in Castelnou.

There are two options available to you to begin the visit. :

• continue the road after the car parks to reach the castle directly
• park at the entrance to the village and go through the imposing arched door

As soon as you pass through this door, the pace slows down.

The Vicomtal Castle of Castelnou, memory of the Catalan Country

Built in the 10th century, the Château Vicomtal de Castelnou is the symbol of the village. This medieval fortress testifies to the strategic past of Catalonia and the importance of Aspres in regional history.

From the ramparts, the view extends over the surrounding hills to Canigou. The light highlights the reliefs and reveals all the beauty of the territory.

The visit allows you to better understand the medieval defensive organization and the history of the Viscounts of Castelnou.

Stroll through the cobbled streets

Castelnou can be explored on foot. Cobbled streets wind between stone houses, arched passages and artisan workshops.

We find there :

• art galleries
• local creators
• typical shops
• discreet terraces

The atmosphere is peaceful, almost suspended. Every detail — a facade, a staircase, a flowered window — contributes to the charm of the village.

The Sainte Marie du Mercadal market

Every summer, every Tuesday, the Sainte Marie du Mercadal market brings Catalan traditions back to life.

Producers, local craftsmen and artists take over the village streets. This summer meeting is an opportunity to discover the flavors and know-how of the region in a friendly atmosphere..

Complete the visit : the Organs of Ille-sur-Têt

Before or after Castelnou, another essential stopover worth the detour : the Organs of Ille-sur-Têt.

About twenty minutes away, this impressive natural site offers a totally different landscape. These geological formations sculpted by erosion create an almost unreal setting, made of columns and fairy chimneys.

Associating Castelnou with the Organs of Ille-sur-Têt allows you to vary the atmosphere : medieval heritage on one side, spectacular natural curiosity of the other.

An ideal day in the Aspres

A coherent itinerary could thus emerge :

• morning at the Caves Byrrh in Thuir
• discovery of the village of Castelnou and its castle
• late afternoon at the Organs of Ille-sur-Têt

In just a few kilometers, the Catalan Country reveals several facets : industrial heritage, listed medieval village, amazing natural site.

This diversity makes all the richness of the territory.

The spirit of the Catalan Country

Castelnou is not limited to its ranking among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It's a living place, anchored in history and its landscape.

We come there for the castle, for the streets, for the view of the Canigou. We come back for the atmosphere and the light.

We like to share these places which make up the soul of the Catalan Country ; since the lodgings of Domaine Pedra Llampada, Castelnou is one of those villages that we always talk about with the same attachment..

FAQ – Castelnou Most Beautiful Village in France

Is Castelnou classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France? ?

Oui, Castelnou is officially one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

Can we visit the Château Vicomtal? ?

Oui, the castle is open to visitors and offers a panoramic view of the Aspres.

What to see around Castelnou ?

The Caves Byrrh in Thuir and the Orgues of Ille-sur-Têt constitute two ideal complementary stops.

When does the Sainte Marie du Mercadal market take place? ?

Every summer, every Tuesday.

How long to expect ?

Allow around two to three hours for the village and the castle.