Mauvezin is a charming village famous for its fairytale castle in the heart of the Haute-Pyrénées countryside. Peppered around the village are tiny hamlets with quaint, narrow alleys and vistas of verdant mountains. Practise your French chatting to the locals as you wander through the streets of the medieval towns and get a sense of the regional customs and traditions.
Gaze up at the 14th-century Mauvezin Château, whose turrets and towers rise high above the surrounding vegetation and can be seen from a distance. This relic from the Middle Ages is in great condition, having been restored to its past glory. Enter the structure to inspect its array of exhibits that shed light on the history of the castle and the region. The displays include a collection of weapons and armor as well as lifelike models of historic figures.
Walk along the tops of the walls and capture photos of the stunning countryside that unfolds before you. Lay down a blanket on a nearby grassy hill and enjoy a meal against a glorious backdrop of the castle. Summers are hot with occasional storms, while winters are mild and suitable for hikes through the countryside.
Embark on excursions to some of the charming villages in the area. A short drive northeast brings you to Sarrant, recognizable by the cobbled roofs and stone façades of its historic buildings. Enter the hamlet via its arched gateway and visit the impressive Church of Saint Vincent. Other nearby villages include Beaumont-de-Lomagne, Fleurance and Auch.
The village can be found near the Spanish border in the southwestern corner of France. Drive northeast from Lourdes for 75 miles (120 kilometers) to get here in around 2 hours. You can also fly to the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, which is 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast. Rent a car to get around the vast bucolic region surrounding the village.
The impressive castle rises from the rural terrain and steals the show in the quaint village and commune of Mauvezin.
