The best walks and hikes around La Bégude-De-Mazenc

A restored ancient feudal village, perched on its rocky spur and which can be visited for a dive into the region's history. A very beautiful view over the plain.

A castle within the castle »Le fief« actually means »the fief«. Ironic, because that is something very medieval, closed, hierarchical, whereas the FIEF is supposed to be something friendly, open, communal. Even though not everyone in the village liked the name, Ernest Jouhy founded the FIEF under the impression of the Second World War, a place where people from different countries and backgrounds, but perhaps also from the village, can come together.

Landmark for sale The 16th century bell tower belonged to the town hall. This was the centre of power for the self-confident bourgeoisie of Chateauneuf, a meeting place of its own, independent of feudal lords and the Catholic Church. After the centre of power was moved to the valley, the ruins of the old village were up for sale. A curious mistake occurred: due to the complicated property situation, the belfry was accidentally privatised. The municipality later reversed the sale. Today the belfry is the landmark of Chateauneuf.

From above? “Right here next to the old archway was one of the last shops in Chateauneuf,” says Liliane, who was born here in the 1930s. Over time, more and more shops moved to la Bégude with the villagers, and the former town center almost died out. This increased the mutual resentment: the mountain residents saw the valley settlement as an appendage, and themselves as the center. In the valley, the medieval settlement was seen as a burden that resisted progress - after all, la Bégude had electricity, the railway and even running water in the modern houses.

How light became a luxury The left four-part window above us has been preserved in its original form. The stone window cross was necessary to keep the large wall opening stable. However, from 1798 onwards the so-called window tax was introduced in France: a tax had to be paid for each window in the house. The four parts counted as separate windows. As a result, windows were completely or partially bricked up, like the one on the right above the archway. This is how light became a luxury.

Seven wells, no fences "In Châteauneuf there were seven wells, so paths often crossed. Life took place outside - much more than today. Because you had to fetch water, feed the chickens and rabbits. Go to the garden. You came home with the wheelbarrow and the vegetables. You met up all the time and the children played together. Conviviality was a given. There was no fence between the houses, there wasn't even a fence between public and private." - Liliane from Châteauneuf, born in the 1930s.

This castle (private property) founded in the 14ᵉ century retains very few vestiges of this period. It was refurbished in the 17ᵉ century, with a south facade made in the 19ᵉ century in a neo-medieval style. Its current quadrangular plan is confined to the corners of four circular turrets; its four wings overlook an interior courtyard accessible from the east. The agricultural outbuilding (farm) which was attached to it and adjoining to the northeast, probably in the 19ᵉ century, adopts a U-shaped plan. It has an interior courtyard and includes a stable wing.

The old castle garden in Bégude-de-Mazenc is now public (the old castle has been converted into holiday apartments). The garden is open all year round and there is a bistro (Le Kiosk) near the intersection of rue Émile Loubet and rue Jean Jaurès.