The Forteresse Royale de Najac is an exceptional example of military defensive architecture from the 12th to the 13th century. In Najac, further prominent testimonies to the town’s history combine with landscapes along the Aveyron and a variety of trails.
Culture and History
The Maison du Gouverneur houses the Centre d’Interprétation de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP). It offers temporary exhibitions, guided tours, events and workshops for families and children. The Church of Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste dates from the 13th to the 14th century and is characteristic of Southern Gothic architecture. The Porte de la Pique is a fortified entrance dating from the 13th century. The Fontaine des Consuls dates from 1344 and has a twelve-sided shape.
The Najac Museum permanently displays tools, objects, archives and historical photographs from Najac and its residents.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Najac can specifically tailor their accommodation choice to this location.
Landscape and Trails
The old village of Najac is not accessible by car. Near Najac, the Aveyron winds between the Causse and the Ségala. Les Châtaigneraies is a 12-kilometre circular hiking trail offering views of Najac and a return route along shaded paths beside the Aveyron. On the banks of the Aveyron near Najac, visitors can picnic, fish and hike.
At the La Vernhe stream, there is a 4.2-kilometre hike lasting two hours with 196 metres of ascent. PR22 is a moderately difficult 11-kilometre circular hiking trail with a stated duration of three hours. The guided tour of Najac and the Maison du Gouverneur lasts almost two hours and starts from the Place du Faubourg, following the only road along the rocky ridge.
Active Pursuits
The Circuit Bano de Biau is a difficult 17-kilometre mountain biking circuit with 340 metres of ascent and a stated duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes. The AAGAC nature centre in the Aveyron gorges offers canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, high-ropes-course climbing and via ferrata.
Outside the peak season, visitors can walk, picnic or swim in the river at the leisure centre at Païsserou; this is done in accordance with local conditions and at the users’ own risk. The motorcycle circuit from Najac to Rodez passes through the gorges and then through the Aveyron valley from Najac towards Rodez.
Local Tradition
At the Fouace de Najac festival, held annually at the end of August, large fouaces are carried through the village and then sampled.
