The 8 things to do in Najac

Are you planning to visit Najac? So here are the 8 things to do in this most beautiful village of France!

Located at the entrance of the wild gorges of the Aveyron Najac stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley. Ranked among the most beautiful French villages, he is a real masterpiece of the Middle Ages, his fortress being the prestigious witness. When you go to Najac, you will also enjoy its landscapes, where water, trees and rock blend with harmony.

Are you planning to discover this beautiful village? Then you will find in this article the 8 things to do in Najac during your stay!

1. The Royal Fortresse of Najac

If you come to visit Najac, you can’t miss this emblematic monument, at the top of the rocky stop. Built in the middle of the 13th century, this fortress is the work of Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis . He is a witness of the royal handy on Najac after the cathar episode.

You can visit the enclosure, discover its unique architecture and enjoy stunning views. For the anecdote, the temples will be locked in an underground cachot after their arrest in 1307.

2. Medieval village

Nestled on an exceptionally long rocky ridge, the medieval village stretches throughout a unique street. The castle occupies the end, but on the way you will have leisure to admire beautiful old houses. By the way, you can also contemplate a remarkable 14th century fountain still in place.

Surrounded by forests all year round, this green village also features breathtaking scenery. If you have the opportunity, visit Najac at the time of his Medieval, which takes place every 2 years, on the weekend of Pentecost.

3. The Church of Saint John

Built in the 13th century, the beautiful church of Saint John is another of the must-see monuments to visit in Najac. This Gothic building has a unique nave with a flat bedside. It has two chapels. Do not miss to observe it from all angles, and above all, to visit the inside!

4. La Porte de la Pique

The Porte de la Pique is another remarkable medieval building of this most beautiful village of the Hexagon. The latter was part of one of the city’s enclosures. Built in the 13th century, you will find it on the way to the Royal Fortress.

5. Pont Saint-Blaise

The Saint-Blaise Bridge overlooks the beautiful Aveyron River. It was built between 1259 and 1274, then restored in 1404. You will find it at the foot of the village, where the river makes a elbow. From the bridge, don’t miss admiring the water line and the village in the heights.

6. La Maison du Sénéchal

Among the unmissable buildings to visit in Najac, there is obviously the magnificent Maison du Sénéchal. This house was built from the 14th century. He served as a housing unit in the Sénéchal when Najac was once the capital of the Sénéchemin du Rouergue.

7. The Gorges de l’Aveyron

Among the unmissable activities in Najac, one cannot fail to mention the canoe-kayak descents, the rafting or swimming sessions in the Gorges de l’Aveyron. The village is ideally located to enjoy the tumults of the Aveyron River.

The most valiant will be able to have fun during their stays. You can thus get the AAGAC, the Najac Nature Base, which offers lots of live water activities.

8. Hiking in Najac

We mentioned it before, but Najac is a green village, surrounded by beautiful forests and hills. If you come to visit Najac, we can only invite you to discover the nature and the surrounding landscapes. A good way to get there is obviously hiking.

But the ATV or via ferrata are also great options to discover it. Don’t miss taking a tour of the Tourist Office to get some cards. To learn more about the region, and its fauna and flora, you can also choose a guided hike.

How do I get to Najac?

By train

Najac train station is fortunately located on the Brive-la-Gaillarde line in Toulouse-Matabiau (via Capdenac ). From one or the other, you will thus have no trouble getting to Najac by train.

It is thus perfectly possible to reach Najac from Montpellier or Bordeaux , via Toulouse . Or via Brive-la-Gaillarde from Paris , Limoges or Clermont-Ferrand . The train routes between Brive-la-Gaillarde and Toulouse (via Najac) are also quite frequent.

By car

If you have a car, join and then visit Najac will obviously be easier. The nearest cities are Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Rodez and Albi . To go to the Gorges de l’Aveyron, here are several routes that you can take from the major cities of France and the surrounding area:

• Starting from Paris, theA20 will take you to good port in 6:30;
• From Toulouse, you can take theA68 then take Exit 9 to Gaillac/Cordes. Cross the city then follow the D922 to Najac to the north;
• Via Montauban, you must then take theA620 then theA20 then take exit 59. Follow D926 to Pansot and join Najac via D84/D29;
• From Bordeaux, take theA62 towards Montauban, then fork on theA20. You will only have to follow the route mentioned above;
• From Limoges, you must take theA20 via Brive-la-Gaillarde. Take exit 58 after Cahors. Finally follow the D19 to Beauregard, then join Puylagarde and finally Najac
• From Clermont-Ferrand, you can reach Brive-la-Gaillarde via the A89. Or you can take the A75 to Severac-le-Château (exit 42). Then follow the N88 to Rodez, then the D911 and D39 to Najac.

By plane

Several solutions are available to you. The first is to land at the airport of Toulouse-Blagnac and then rent a car to arrive in Najac. 1h40 are necessary to arrive at destination. Otherwise, following the same reasoning, land at Rodez-Aveyron Airport and then roll for 1 hour.

In order to find a ticket at the best price, we advise you to use a flight comparison as well Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Najac?

If you plan to visit Najac, you must ask where to stay! Fortunately, this village does not lack accommodation options. Travellers will be able to opt for a variety of accommodation, whether it is a room in a charming hotel in the region or an authentic lodging.

You can also choose to stay at home via the platform Airbnb For example. Outdoor lovers will also be able to opt for a location or accommodation in a village treed campsite. It's for all tastes and budgets! So don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparison to find the solution that best suits you.

You just have to pack your bags and then go to the discovery of Najac!