Pleasant trail with varied landscapes. First half of the hike on the heights of Najac and return to the shade along the Aveyron, ideal when it's hot. Several curiosities throughout the circuit. Departure possible from the VAL-VVF holiday village.
Chestnut, along with rye, was one of the staple foods of the time. He saved many miserable inhabitants from starvation during times of scarcity.
Find all the hiking trails around Najac in the topo guide 8 hiking routes around Najac, available at the Tourist Office for 6€
Stage 1: Departure from the Place du Forail in Najac
OT Najac
Possibility to park your vehicle on the Place du Foirail (post office/gendarmerie car park).
Leaving the car park go down the D39 on the left for 200 meters. In the hairpin bend, turn left towards Saint André and immediately right on the path that descends, towards Puech Moutonnier.
Cross the Vernhe stream and go up the paved path. Keep to the left on the path which rises steeply. Arrived at the wide grassy path, turn right and continue to the crossroads.
Stage 2: Panorama of Najac
Turn left towards Cassagnes. The path bypasses the holiday residence. Continue along the small path which leads to a magnificent view of Najac.
Continue straight on the wide path for 150 meters then turn right between the rocks and take the stony path opposite towards Cassagnes.
When you reach the road, turn right towards the village of Cassagnes. Turn right on the wide path which skirts the fields before sinking into the valley by a path in poor condition.
Stage 3: On the banks of the Aveyron
Rens Kokke/Flickr
Pass to the right under the Grèzes bridge and follow the river for 6 km along a beautiful shady path. You will observe the canoe-kayak slalom basin built at a place called Bano de Biau (ox horn) for the organization of national level competitions.
A little further, you will discover a first mill in ruins of Ferragut then that of Auribal still in good condition. The path runs along the railway line with magnificent works of art on the section from Monteils to Laguépie.
Stage 4: Ascent to the village
Rens Kokke/Flickr
Arrived on the D594, turn left and cross the St Blaise bridge. Turn right on the road that runs along the river.
[Possible junction with circuit 3 by continuing on the road that climbs just after the St Blaise bridge]
At the level of the swimming pool, continue along the small path which leads to the Frégère bridge.
[Possible junction with circuits 1 and 2 by turning left on the road and then right 30 meters further in the alley that goes up]
Cross the river, then climb the old medieval hill to the left.
At the crossroads just below the village turn right. Arrived in the lane, turn left to pass in front of the chapel and continue straight ahead to reach the Place du Faubourg.
[Possible junction with circuit 4 by continuing the road which passes in front of the gendarmerie]
Najac: one of the most beautiful villages in France
