We give you ideas for visits and activities less than 2 hours from Toulouse. Getaways with or without a car to get a breath of fresh air surrounded by nature.
01
Najac, in the heart of the Aveyron gorges
Najac is a charming medieval village perched on its rocky ridge, above the gorges of the Aveyron. At the top of its village, stands the impressive royal fortress and its keep of almost 40 meters. Strolling through the streets of Najac means soaking up a rich and authentic heritage made up of old buildings and fountains. An enchanting atmosphere which has earned Najac a place among the most beautiful villages in France !
Coming to Najac also means choosing a concentrate of nature, between wooded hills of the Aveyron gorges and river discreet. A paradise for practicing outdoor activities less than 2 hours from Toulouse! Tree climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking... Sensations guaranteed!
How to get there ?
Getting to Najac by train
Take the TER of the Toulouse-Aurillac line. Allow 1h25 journey between Toulouse-Matabiau station and the Najac station which is located at the foot of the village.
Once you arrive at the station, you will be 700 meters from the start of the many activities offered by the outdoor base. You can also reach the heart of the village on foot (around 1km and 150 meters of elevation gain).
Pass under the railway line, you will see the hotel-restaurant Beautiful Shore, continue until you take the Frégère bridge which spans the Aveyron. After the bridge, take the path which goes up on your left. Once on rue l'Hiversenq, follow the GR up another 100 meters then head towards the Place de la Fontaine and the tourist office.
Getting to Najac by car
Two possible routes:
- Via A68 and Gaillac – 1h48 – 110 km
- Via A62 A20 (Montauban) – 1h53 – 127 km
Getting to Najac on foot
Najac is located on the Conques-Toulouse route on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Go up the GR46 towards Montastruc-la-Conseillère, Rabastens, Gaillac and Cordes-sur-Ciel then the GR36 towards Laguépie and Najac.
02
Villefranche de Rouergue, an essential medieval bastide in Aveyron
Villefranche de Rouergue, a small town in the South-West, is identifiable by its gridded architectural plan. Medieval bastide with exceptional heritage, it is a must-see in the Aveyron department. Strolling through the streets of Villefranche de Rouergue means measuring the wealth of the merchants of the time through beautiful facades, pretty squares lined with arcades and remarkable monuments.
History lovers will be passionate about this city with many nuggets: the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, la Chapel of the Black Penitents, the former monastery of the Chartreuse Saint-Sauveur...
One of the city's must-sees: the traditional market on Thursday morning, one of the most beautiful in the region.
How to get there ?
Getting to Villefranche de Rouergue by train
Take the TER of the Toulouse-Aurillac line. Allow 1 hour 40 minutes to travel between Toulouse-Matabiau station and Villefranche de Rouergue station, which is located just 250 meters from the tourist office and the start of the parcours city tour.
Getting to Villefranche de Rouergue by car
Via A62 A20 (Montauban) – 1h51 – 129 km
Getting to Villefranche de Rouergue on foot
Villefranche de Rouergue is located on the Conques-Toulouse route of the path to Santiago de Compostela. Go up the GR46 towards Montastruc-la-Conseillère, Rabastens, Gaillac and Cordes-sur-Ciel then the GR36 towards Laguépie, Najac and Villefranche de Rouergue.
03
Villeneuve d’Aveyron, Occitan charm
Located between Villefranche de Rouergue and Figeac, Villeneuve d'Aveyron is a charming village in Occitanie. With its cobbled streets, its stone houses, and its peaceful atmosphere, this village is a little-known gem 2 hours from Toulouse. Villeneuve has managed to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage, enough to make great discoveries!
In the essential visits: theChurch of the Holy Sepulcher and Jean-Marie Perier Gallery. Visiting Villeneuve is also an opportunity to explore the paths of causes lined with dry stone walls, ideal on foot or by bike!
How to get there ?
Getting to Villeneuve by car
Via A62 A20 (Montauban) – 1h52 – 136 km
Getting to Villeneuve on foot
Villeneuve d'Aveyron is located on the Conques-Toulouse route of the path to Santiago de Compostela. Go up the GR46 towards Montastruc-la-Conseillère, Rabastens, Gaillac and Cordes-sur-Ciel then the GR36 towards Laguépie, Najac, Villefranche de Rouergue and Villeneuve. The stage starting from Villefranche de Rouergue ends in Peyrusse-le-Roc.
Getting to Villeneuve by train
Nearest stations:
- Salles-Courbatiès station 6 km from Villeneuve
- Villefranche de Rouergue station 13 km from Villeneuve
If you opt for the train, why not bring your bike? By following the GR62B, you can easily travel between Salles-Courbatiès and Villefranche de Rouergue with a stop in Villeneuve.
04
Jean-Marie Perier Gallery
We stay in Villeneuve with this new suggestion since it is in this village that you will find an exhibition of 180 prints by the iconic photographer Jean-Marie Périer!
A dive into the 60s 2 hours from Toulouse, does that tempt you? Admire the sublime portraits of internationally recognized artists including the Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Jean-Marie Périer, born in 1940 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, has been recognized since his collaboration with the magazine Hi buddies. A talented and inventive photographer, he enjoys staging his models. Shots that combine aesthetics and emotion for photography close to the spectacle.
How to get there ?
05
Foissac prehistoric cave
The prehistoric cave of Foissac, located in Aveyron, is an archaeological treasure. Its rock paintings and remains bear witness to the life of Chalcolithic men. It offers a fascinating dive into the prehistoric past of the region. One of the most intriguing features of Foissac Cave is the presence of human remains, including bones and tools. Guided tours allow you to better understand the discoveries and importance of this site.
How to get there ?
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