In the middle ages, the village of Bruniquel was a rather
wealthy place, thanks to the trade in flax, hemp and saffron. Pilgrims
to Saint Jacques de Compostella would find rest, shelter and food in
the village. The village was surrounded by two walls, destroyed during
the wars of religion. Nowadays it is a quiet village, waking up every
year early august for a festival dedicated to Jacques Offenbach, the
XIX century French operetta composer.
The visit of "the châteaux" is worth spending some time.
According to the legend, Queen Brunehaut's instigated the builing of
the first fortress in the 6th century, you can see only the remains of
the keep. Further you'll see a nice knights' room with twin windows,
the kitchen with stone oven and stone sink, and above all, you'll
appreciate the view from the marvellous renaissance style gallery over
looking a 90 metres high cliff. The young castle has a beautifull
baroque chimney - if you're lucky, you will hear young singers
performing in that romm some aria's during the summer school for
operetta singers. Remarquable also, the old chapel turned into a
kitchen. Outside there is a nice park, excellent for picnic of just for
taking a break.
In Bruniquel, you will find some nice houses from 14th to 16th century.
The Payrol House can be visited: it reveals interior architecture from
the XIIIth century
and the Gothic and Renaissance eras. It is a quite interesting
building, it belonged to a wealthy family. Downhill there is an unique
underground fountain and washing place ("lavoir"), with an overflow
that feeds an open drinking pool, shaped like an horse shoe.
Don't forget to enjoy the panoramic views over the Vère and
the Aveyron rivers.
Text & pictures:© Bed and
Breakfast Artichaud
+ info:
Bruniquel,
tourist office
