Relatively simple path around Najac (but with a drop which makes it a difficulty) to discover old fountains in a calm and wooded environment. Possible departure from the VAL-VVF holiday village at Puech Moutonniers.
Indispensable to the life of the village, the fountains were fed by drainage water from the plateau of Terres Rouge - La Planquette. They are called griffouls.
The first fountain was built in 1344 in the Bourguet district. It is carved from a single block of granite. One can find there the figures of the former consuls and the bishop. It remained in use until the beginning of the 20th century.
Departure from Place du Faubourg in Najac. Possibility to park in the parking lot of the post office.
Go along the square, pass in front of the Tourist Office and continue to the grocery store 50 meters further on the left. Bypass the grocery store on the left and walk along the houses and gardens through the magnificent "roc de cabusse" circular path.
Go down to the Loge, then turn right towards the Place de l'Etoile. Turn left into rue du Bourguet, then left into rue de la Portète (just behind the small restaurant) to reach rue Basse.
Stage 2: Towards the Gabanel fountain
OT Najac
Turn left, cross the D39, and take the botanical path opposite to the Gabanel fountain then cross the bridge.
Take the path which rises steeply under the boxwood. Leave a path on the right, continue to climb in the fir trees.
At the next intersection, turn right and continue to climb until the intersection of 3 paths.
Step 3: Najac's point of view
Rens Kokke/Flickr
Turn left towards Najac. Leave the wide path to take the steep path on the left.
At the paved path, continue straight. You can observe another fountain on your right. The path crosses the Vernhe stream then goes up to the road.
Step 4: Fountain in the middle of the forest
Great Sites Midi-Pyrenees
Take the road to the right for 300 meters to go up to the village. Arrived on the square, at the level of the hairpin bend, turn right towards the gendarmerie.
Just opposite the gendarmerie leave the road by taking a small alley on the left which leads to a path.
At the next intersection, turn left to return to the village via the GR36. This will allow you to discover a new fountain.
At road level, turn left for 50 meters then a narrow lane (alley) will take you to the heart of the village.
Step 5: End of the circuit
Back to the starting point. Possibility to visit Najac, its fortress and its church. Several restaurants, bars and shops on site.
Najac: one of the most beautiful villages in France
