France is full of beautiful towns and villages, making it a delight to explore some of these gems during a vacation. Nestled among rolling hills, the village of Castelnou is one of those special places. If you’re visiting the French city of Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, be sure to add Castelnou to your must-see list of attractions around Perpignan.
A fairytale setting
Castelnou boasts a fairytale-like charm in the heart of the Aspres region, with the impressive 2,784-meter-high Canigou mountain as its backdrop. The approach road offers a breathtaking view of the village, which appears completely secluded in the hilly landscape. It’s easy to see why Castelnou is known as the jewel of the Aspres.
Holder of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France label
Since 1984, Castelnou has proudly carried the prestigious Les Plus Beaux Villages de France label, a title awarded to villages that have preserved their authentic charm and beauty. Having visited several villages on this list, I must say that Castelnou is one of the most impressive so far. I think this is mainly due to its intimate character, picturesque setting and unique location. And above all, the tranquility I experience here in spring. I visit at the end of the day and I can count the people I encounter on one hand.
The history of Castelnou in a nutshell
The history of Castelnou dates back to the early Middle Ages. The castle and the adjacent village were founded in the 10th century. Château de Castelnou is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region and played a significant role in local history, serving as a stronghold against invasions.
In the later Middle Ages, Castelnou became an important administrative center. Its strategic location on a hill provided excellent views of the surrounding area, which was essential for defense. Despite several attacks and sieges, the village managed to withstand the test of time and preserve its medieval charm.
What to see and do in Castelnou
Castelnou is small, so don’t expect a massive list of must-see attractions in this article. However, after my visit, there are a few things I would definitely recommend doing and seeing.
Strolling through the medieval streets
I know it’s often said that in some places time seems to stand still, but here it truly feels that way. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old houses, crooked stairs and stunning views; Castelnou exudes medieval charm!
The small and atmospheric center of the village has remained largely unchanged for centuries. It is centered around two narrow, parallel streets: Carrer d’Avall and Carrer del Mig. You can easily move between the two streets via stairs at various points. Especially in the spring and summer, the alleyways and streets are full of color, with everything in bloom. Be sure to explore every street to avoid missing that one incredibly picturesque corner.
Craft shops
There are a few charming shops where local artisans create products using traditional methods. Think of jewelry, pottery and textiles; all made with craftsmanship and care.
Château de Castelnou
The castle is the heart of the village and is definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately, I arrived too late in the day and it was already closed. The castle offers insight into medieval architecture and history. From its towers you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Église Sainte-Marie du Mercadal
The Romanesque parish church, Église Sainte-Marie du Mercadal, first appears in records from the 14th century. However, there are indications that the church may be older, possibly built in the 13th or even the 12th century. The church is located outside the town walls, next to the market square. The market square existed before the church was constructed, which is why the church was named after the market (mercadal).
City walls, towers and gates
Outside of the castle, there are also (watch) towers and gates that are part of the town walls. The center of Castelnou lies within these walls. You truly feel like you’re stepping into another world as you walk through one of the gates!
Porte de Millars
Porte de Millars is the official gateway to Castelnou. The gate was built in the 14th century and has a tower on each side. Walking through the gate, you’ll immediately find yourself on a charming little square, with a tree and a bench underneath it. Too cute!
Market in Castelnou
If you’re flexible with your travel plans, make sure to visit Castelnou on a Tuesday. If you’re here during the summer months, every Tuesday brings a market. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like visiting a French market. What makes this one even more special is that the goods are displayed in fixed, wooden market stalls.
Restaurants in Castelnou
There are a few restaurants in Castelnou, and in my opinion, L’Hostal has the best view. Our dinner begins on the terrace, but in early June, it’s quite windy and a bit chilly. We move indoors after our starter. In summer, when the terrace is busier and the sun is shining brightly, this really is the perfect spot!
Lookout point
If you’re driving to Castelnou via the D48, be sure to stop at the official lookout point in one of the bends of the road. On Google Maps, this spot is marked as “Vue sur Castelnou.” Closer to the village, there are a few more places along the same road where you can pull over for a beautiful view of the village.
Crowds and parking in Castelnou
On Google Maps, you can clearly see where to park (paid) in Castelnou. There are quite a few parking spaces, but I can imagine that during peak season, all spots might be taken around midday. Try to come early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Combine a visit to Castelnou with other beautiful spots in the region
A visit to Castelnou fits perfectly into an easy route you can drive around beautiful spots near Perpignan. Other attractions you can visit in the area, aside from Perpignan itself, include Céret, where you can admire works by Picasso and other famous artists at the Musée d’Art Moderne. Collioure is also highly recommended, often regarded as the most beautiful village along the French Mediterranean coast. In Thuir, you can visit Caves Byrrh, where the largest wine vats in the world are used for producing the famous aperitif of the same name. If you’re in the mood for nature, take a short hike in the area of Les Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt, where natural weathering has created stunning formations over the centuries. In Canet-en-Roussillon, you can enjoy the wide sandy beaches, with excellent restaurants just around the corner.
