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Residents of the French town of Bozouls have a unique view from their living rooms — a direct, 300-foot drop-down.
Located in the Aveyron region of southern France, the town has sat on the edge of a deep, crescent-shaped hole in the ground for almost 1,000 years. This unique city plan combines both a natural canyon and a manmade town, resulting in one of the most stunning locations in France.
The canyon is more than 1,000 feet in diameter and 300 feet deep, and displays gorgeous limestone as well as lush, green trees and colorful flowers. The stone buildings directly on the edge of the canyon match the colors of the exposed rock, and the manmade buildings look as though they belong in nature as much as the surrounding trees.
The landscape of Bozouls hole is not a new phenomenon. The deep canyon is hundreds of years old, created by a former river, the Dordeau, which slowly eroded the area’s natural limestone. When the water left, its shape remained, and the result was a beautiful, green, and rocky canyon.
Locals initially took advantage of the unique landscape by building a giant castle, using the landscape’s unconquerable depths as a means of protection. While this 9th-century feature, unfortunately, did not survive to the modern day, a 12th-century Sainte Fauste church has remarkably stood the test of time.
Located on the strip of land in the middle of the canyon, the Sainte Fauste church has been open to visitors for hundreds of years. Visitors can take in the beauty of the ancient, surviving architecture of this Romanesque church, and then peer over the edge of the rock they stand on, admiring all 300 feet of the nature below.
The town itself is fairly small — just around 3,000 residents — but they understand how beautiful their canyon is and are more than welcoming to tourists. There are standard town amenities, such as restaurants and coffee shops, as well as more unique experiences, such as a walking path on Hole Street and access to structures that are hundreds of years old.
Bozouls, France, is considered a safe place to live or visit. This charming village offers a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery with its famous canyon, and a tight-knit community. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by picturesque landscapes including the giant hole, making it an appealing choice for those seeking tranquility in France.
Since Bozouls is a flight or long train ride away from the most popular French city tourist destinations, visitors should take advantage of their traveling and explore more than just this one beautiful city. Bozouls is part of the Aveyron region, which is filled with valleys, castles, and other remarkable old towns. Aveyron crosses into the Cevennes National Park, home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
What to Do in Aveyron
Aveyron is an ideal destination for an authentic break in the South of France. This region in southern France is a mosaic of valleys and old towns where you can still smell food in a lively street market and enjoy a buttery croissant in a crowded café; it is also home to the famous Roquefort cheese.
Aveyron is just one hour drive away from Montpellier. Here, the landscape and the quiet atmosphere encourage people to take it slowly, sip some wine on a terrace, and enjoy the view of the hills. It is a land that was inhabited very early by man; Romanesque churches, castles, and picturesque villages show the local respect for heritage.
Some of the standout features in a tour of the region include Belcastel, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, and Conques.
Belcastel is a picturesque village located on a hill that has been declared one of the most beautiful towns in France. Villefranche de Rouergue is a bastide town built around its main square and characterized by striking architecture, while the Romanesque Abbey and its treasure in the village of Conques are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
FAQs
Why Is Bozoul, France So Special?
This ancient village in Southern France sits on a limestone plateau and has been teetering on the edge of a giant hole, without totally crumbling in on itself, for about 1,000 years. On the lip of a lush cliff in Aveyron, Bozoul is a place exempt from logic.
What Is the Bozouls Hole?
Once recognized as one of the seven wonders of Rouergue, the “Trou de Bozouls” or the Bozouls Hole is a natural cirque, a horseshoe-shaped canyon, formed by the erosion of secondary limestone from the Causse Comtal, sculpted over time by the Dourdou River. This is why Bozouls Hole attracts amateur and professional photographers as the best place for unique photos.
Are There Any Historic Attractions in Bozouls?
Yes. This beautiful French town that dates back to medieval times was an old stomping ground of the Knights Templar and it still wears the traces of its prehistoric and Roman history with pride. Old ruins, Sainte Fauste church, and Celtic sculptures are just some of the attractions.
How to Get to Bozouls, France?
The easiest way to reach Bozouls is by plane. EasyJet operates flights to Montpellier from London, and from there, it’s a two-hour car journey to the region. Another option is to travel by train, changing in Paris. Once there, follow the Hole Street or The Rue de Trou to get to the Trou de Bozouls.
What Else Is There to See Near Bozouls?
Apart from the geological marvel that is Bozouls, the Aveyron area is part of the Cevennes National Park and is home to several beautiful castles. Belcastel, Rodez, Villefranche-de-Rouergue, and Conques are some of the unmissable landmarks in a tour of the region.
