From Belcastel to Najac

Belcastel

24 min by car Belcastel

Your roadtrip starts at Belcastel, one of the 10 most beautiful villages in France that counts the department of Aveyron (and yes it is a record!). Clinging to the rock faces of the Aveyron gorges, the village and its castle will plunge you into the heart of the Middle Ages.

Take advantage of the tranquility of the place for a stroll through the cobbled streets, along the houses with slate roofs, fountains, ovens... Borrow its magnificent XNUMXth century bridge century to the church and let yourself be lulled by the murmur of the river…

After this idyllic parenthesis, take the road again towards Rieupeyroux. The green hills of Ségala offer you panoramas as far as the eye can see.

Riiepeyroux

15 min by car

You will then cross the village of Rieupeyroux, former rescued dating from Roman times. Let yourself be charmed by its stone houses with slate roofs. Then take the height and enjoy an exceptional panorama from the Saint-Jean-Baptiste chapel in Modulance, the highest point of Ségala. On a clear day, you can even see the Pyrenees mountain range!

Swifts of Lézert

16 min by car

Make a stop at Ramonde Swift in the Lézert valley. Forges in which martinaires beat copper from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century. Enthusiasts are now reviving this know-how through visits and demonstrations. But when the hammer has not yet sounded, the place is a true haven of peace. It will be perfect for a picnic in the shade, cradled by the gentle lapping of the stream.

You can also stop a little further on your route, around the Vezis Bridge for a picnic in the heart of gorges of the Aveyron.

Villefranche-de-Rouergue

15 min by car Villefranche-de-Rouergue

From the Martinet de la Ramonde, head back in the direction of Villefranche de Rouergue descending into the Aveyron gorges. You will drive 1,5 km before crossing the Vézis bridge which spans the river. You will thus arrive at Villefranche de Rouergue not the route de la Gasse.

Founded in 1252 by Alphonse de Poitiers, Villefranche developed along the Aveyron river which you have just walked along. In the heart of the Rodez-Cahors-Albi triangle, this city was ideally located for doing business! In the center of the country house, the market square, lined with arcades, is dominated by the imposing bell tower-porch of the Notre-Dame collegiate church. All around, elegant residences bear witness to the wealth of certain families at the end of the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. Contemplate these beautiful facades before continuing your journey.

Monteils

15 min by car Monteils

To get to Najac, you can either go through the villages of Sanvensa and La Fouillade (D922) or via Monteils (D47). By this second route, you will follow the river more with pretty landscapes of the gorges between Monteils and Najac.

Najac

Najac

Approaching Najac, a silhouette stands out from the green reliefs: that of the royal fortress ! Located on the banks of the Aveyron, Najac is a perfect spot for outdoor activities. Hiking, tree climbing, canoeing... Fill up on sensations and breathe in the fresh air!

Once in the village, let yourself be carried away by the long main street which runs along the rocky ridge on which Najac is perched. On your way, contemplate the stone and half-timbered houses extended by cutlery on the Place du Faubourg, the monolithic fountain... Going up towards the fortress, take the time to open the doors of the Governor's House. You will make discoveries about the history of bastides and their architecture thanks to the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center.

Finally, the highlight of the visit: the fortress! On a free or guided tour, enter the grounds of this place steeped in history. Walk the monument to the top of its keep where you will be amazed by the panoramas of the gorges of the Aveyron.