All rave reviews below convinced me to go here. Can only say we had a truly fantastic meal and a truly fantastic night gazing out at this gorgeous village. The people here are wonderful, and the whole thing was value for money in exchange for a magical experience. Rather than debate if you should or shouldn’t - just go and treat yourself. A must!

On our recent holiday in France, of the five hotels we stayed in this was perfection. Although we arrived on a Saturday when the village was busy, once the day tourists had left the village was enchanting. Late evening and early morning were utterly peaceful and one was not even aware of the small camp site just beyond the hotel.

The room was of medium size, beautifully modern with an excellent bathroom and views onto the river, and the castle, floodlit at night, quite breathtaking. Air conditioning was a boon as it was extremely hot, although as the windows were netted against insects, these could have been left open. The cost of the room seemed to represent suberb value.

I was surprised by a previous review complaining of the cost of the breakfast. 12 euros seems reasonable for what was a delicious spread of fruit, yogourt, breads,croissants and coffee most beautifully presented in the garden by the river . Dinner too was memorable.

We were unfortunately only able to get in for one night but would have happily stayed longer as there is plenty to see in the surrounding area. We would have been just as happy to relax for a couple of days in such glorious surroundings. One memory I shall always have is of having to negoiate the very narrow ancient cobbled humpbacked bridge in our rather large car - I thought I was having my leg pulled when first told to drive over it to get to our rooms which are the opposite side of the river to the restaurant. I do hope the Vieux du Pont manages to stay as small and unspoilt as it is as it is a real gem.

This is an unbelievable village and an unbelievable hotel. We stayed 3 nights and loved it. We also visited several of the other "most beautiful villages" and this one was by far the best. The hotel is also wonderful. The staff is great and the rooms are clean and modern. You really could not ask for more. The restaurant is wonderful too. We had two incredible dinners here. It is what you think of when you think of French cuisine. The presentation and taste was outstanding.


My one warning is that the breakfast (which is fruit, bread and jam) is 12 euros. I did not remember this and was not told upon check-in. I was given a sheet to fill out my choices for breakfast. On that sheet there was no mention of 12 euros. The only mention of price came at the bottom when it listed extra items (sausage 5 euros...). So to me it seemed all was included with room unless you want the extras. When I checked out I found that it was 12 euros. I talked to the manager and she said that it was in my confirmation email which yes I am sure it was. But when you are traveling to many places over 2 weeks it is hard to remember what is what. I explained to her that there is no reason she couldn't put 12euro on the sheet that she makes every guest fill out. She makes a point to put 5 euros for the extras but for some reason does not want to remind people of the 12 euros. She did give me half my money back which was nice but she didn't seem to see my point.

Belcastel is definitely worth the drive. The hotel can easily match the five-star palaces of Paris when it comes to service and the rooms offer everything you might need. We felt like in a fairytale. Food was outstanding and it seems people know it as the restaurant was booked every night. After many disappointments in high-end hotels all over Europe this was a relief.