Castelbouc – glued to the rock

The castle and village of Castelbouc in the Gorges du Tarn is a magnificent place to stop and take in the scenery. The castle sits on a rock overlooking the village, which was once a cave dwelling dug into the limestone cliff.

There is a legend about the name of the castle that is well known among locals and tourists. It says that in 1095, when all the lords and men-at-arms went on a crusade and searched for the tomb of Christ in Palestine, the lord remained in the castle to hold the fortress of Castelbouc. After a few heroic deeds, he attracted the favor of the surrounding ladies and did everything in his power to fulfill their wishes. So much so that he eventually died. After his death, his spirit flew over the castle in the form of a billy goat (French: bouc), which is how the castle - like the place - got its name.
Be that as it may. We visit the village, the houses are all well maintained, but apart from a few hikers, nobody seems to be around. We actually want to go on a circular hike, but we can't start because a storm is approaching. We find shelter under a rocky outcrop. Soon the rain stops, the sun makes itself felt and we set off.