Brenda Stuart

Castelnou nestled at the base of Les Aspres foothills .

Dating from the 14th century this small, fortified village and it's castle, is found twenty kilometers southwest of Perpignan. Castelnou is nestled at the base of Les Aspres foothills in a maize of narrow cobbled streets. The village rises up one side of the hill overlooked by the Vicomtal Castle.

The Castle also known as Château de Castelnou is medieval, built in the 10th century. it served as the administrative and military capital of the Viscount of Vallespir. Its irregular pentagonal floor plan follows the rocky outcrop on which it was built.

Over the centuries it has changed hands numerous times. After the French Revolution of 1789, it was deserted and devastated then lay in ruin until its restoration in 1897. In 1987 the castle was severely damaged by a fire. It has since been restored. and now well known for producing fine rosé wine and many red wines in limited capacity.