Najac, a medieval bastide and royal fortress in the heart of the Aveyron Gorges!
Come and explore this 13th-century bastide perched on a spectacular rocky outcrop, in the heart of the Aveyron Gorges!
The narrow streets, lined with old houses with slate roofs, will lead you to the royal fortress, which overlooks the ridge and offers superb panoramic views of the Aveyron Gorges.
With its rich heritage, outdoor activities and local specialities from the Aveyron region, let yourself be charmed by the art of living in Rouergue!
Medieval heritage and panoramic views in the Aveyron Gorges
A royal fortress, medieval alleyways and panoramic views of the Aveyron Gorges combine to create a spectacular setting where history and nature reveal themselves at every turn. Ready to take in the view from above?
Najac takes centre stage
Director Jean-Henri Meunier has made three documentaries about Najac, including ‘Ici Najac, à vous la Terre’ in 2005, the story of the inhabitants of a small village in the Aveyron region resisting globalisation, which was screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.
Your experiences to live in Najac
©Jérôme MOREL – Editor of *La Cévenne* – SPL Ouest Aveyron Tourisme
Sample the local flavours
Treat yourself to the village’s specialities: fouace, a soft brioche flavoured with orange blossom, or astet najacois, a delicious stuffed roast pork. Enjoy them after a stroll through the narrow streets for a real taste of the Aveyron region!
A refreshing break by the water’s edge
On the banks of the Aveyron, take a moment to enjoy a peaceful break: a picnic under the trees, with your feet in the water, to savour the tranquil charm of the gorges.
©Julien Audigier – SPL Ouest Aveyron Tourisme
Exploring the area around Najac by bike
Hop on your bike and set off to explore the surrounding area: country lanes, forest tracks and viewpoints overlooking the village await you for some lovely getaways along an easy cycle route of around 40 kilometres.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Oct. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2026
Marché de Najac le dimanche matin
Traditional market on the Place du Faubourg, every Sunday morning, all year round.
Epiphany this Sunday, January 4 from 10:00 am on the market! This Sunday is the opportunity for the elected representatives to wish the inhabitants and regulars of the Najac market a happy new year. As at the beginning of each year, a free slice of galette des rois and a hot drink will be served, with a bonus for those who find the bean: they'll be entitled to a gift from the market's producers and traders. Come and taste the galette des rois made by the Delmur bakery. Come to the Najac market on Sunday mornings! Place du faubourg, between the kiosk and the market. Come and enjoy a delicious meal at the market from 9am to 1pm on Place du Faubourg. --- A wide range of quality products: - Les jardins de la rivière (vegetables, fruit, herbs, juices...) - Le ferme du Treil (sheep's tome) - La ferme de Bor (organic permaculture farm, market gardening and orchards) - Produits Lacombe (chicken, eggs and roasted chestnuts) - Le jardin des étoiles (market gardening) - Kombucha. Lawton (soft drinks, kombucha) - Terre d'amour (biodynamic medicinal and aromatic plants) - Sylvaine et François (chestnut-based vegetable pâté) - Nattes Yoan (cow cheese, yogurt, butter, milk) - Philippe Gheerbrant (goat cheese) - La ferme du Puech Deltour (market gardening, beekeeping, chestnut products) - Le moulinet (wheat flour, walnut oil) - Les 4 villages (aligot) - Les jardins de l'Albarie (french fries, organic potatoes) - Mme Autesserre (chestnuts, fruit, seasonal harvest) - André Lacombe (chestnuts, doughnuts) - Michael Alvernhe (lapidary and jewelry) - Mélanie Prévost (fruit and vegetable transfo) - Peaux d'acajou (leather creation) - Marina (wicker creations) Further information: www.najac.fr and Facebook Commune de Najac.
Next dates:
- From 10/01/2025 to 12/31/2026
From Sept. 1, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026
Bêtes d’expo !
Discover the animal at the heart of the medieval world, through an original temporary exhibition. Opening on Friday, April 17 at 6:30pm.
Whether real or imaginary, animals played an essential role in medieval society. They were omnipresent at man?s side, helping him to understand the messages of texts, accompanying him in his daily work or contributing to his survival. They are used to illustrate the allegories of sacred texts, to transmit moral teachings or to mock the powerful and those who decide. Indispensable to daily life, they are material, tools and companions. From bestiaries to encyclopedias, from sculpted capitals to colorful stained-glass windows, animals have always been represented by man. How do we view these animals today? Why do some arouse fear, while others inspire fascination or tenderness? Between realism and stereotypes, idealized representations and preconceived ideas, this exhibition invites you to discover the species that have always populated our stories, our cities and our imaginations. Animals "disembark" in the six communes of the Pays d?art et d?histoire des Bastides du Rouergue. Discover them in the temporary exhibition at the Maison du Gouverneur? CIAP, as well as in certain sites and monuments in the Pays d?art et d?histoire des Bastides du Rouergue communities.
Next dates:
- From 09/01/2026 to 09/26/2026
- From 10/17/2026 to 10/31/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Sept. 11, 2026
Concert au Camping des Etoiles : Charly Fiasco
Punk rock sung in French
Founded in 2005 in the suburbs of Toulouse, Charly Fiasco is a punk rock band singing in the language of Coluche. Raw energy and hard-hitting lyrics. Catering available from 7pm. Reservations recommended. Free admission Concert organized by the Chalawan association
Next dates:
- 09/11/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Sept. 13, 2026
Forum des associations de Najac
Come and discover and maybe join one of Najac's sports or cultural associations! There's something for everyone!
On Sunday, September 13, the village’s annual community fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Najac community hall. About twenty booths, challenges and chess lessons, apple pressing, resident consultations, club activities... %A0 On the program: 10 a.m.–noon / 2 p.m.–5 p.m.: Introduction to “jeux de quilles de huit” (Place du Sol de la Dôme) 10:15 a.m.: 4-km walk (meet at 10 a.m.) 12:00 PM–2:00 PM: Lunch (reservations required by September 10 at 09 99 75 97 03) 12:00 PM–1:00 PM: Vaour Carnival Band (parade from the market to the community hall) %A0 Refreshment stand and crepes run by the local community%A0 %A0 For more information: contact@najac.fr
Next dates:
- 09/13/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Sept. 18, 2026
Concert au Camping des Etoiles : Iriwan
Rock, desert blues, gnawa, reggae
Iriwan's sonic journey is a daring exploration of rhythms and genres, from bewitching rock grooves to desert blues, from Gnawa percussion to reggae vibes. A direct journey to the Mediterranean, where the warmth of the sun blends with the freshness of the sea breeze. Catering available from 7pm. Reservations recommended. Admission 10?
Next dates:
- 09/18/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Sept. 26, 2026
Soirée Hard Rock au camping des Étoiles
On the program: Esmerald Moon and Dolloster!
Evening organized by the Cochmar association. Catering available from 7pm. Reservations recommended. Admission only 10? / Admission + meal 25?
Next dates:
- 09/26/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Sept. 27, 2026
9ème Expo Auto Retro
9th Expo Auto Retro
Next dates:
- 09/27/2026
The Oct. 3, 2026
Biblis en Folie : Atelier d'écriture poétique
A workshop open to anyone who wants to explore the great freedom that poetry offers and try their hand at it.
Poetry isn't limited to verses or complicated rules. Above all, it’s about experimenting with different ways of writing, listening to your feelings, and finding your own voice. For all ages, adults and children Duration: 2 hours
Next dates:
- 10/03/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Oct. 3, 2026
Concert au Camping des Etoiles : Obidaya + Jah Watchman Sound
Reggae roots ? vocal quartet
OBIDAYA offers timeless, spiritual and accessible roots reggae: driven by a vocal quartet, their music oscillates between sunny melodies and conscious messages. Drawing on the roots of Jamaican reggae from the 70's, the group inevitably recalls the great Jamaican bands such as The Gladiators or Israel Vibration, while asserting a modern and original identity. The quartet? Loïc Paulin (Mystical Faya), Uncle Raph (guitarist/backing vocalist for Marcus Gad), I Fi (toaster at BAT records) and Eliès (founding singer of Obidaya)? make this project one of the rare French reggae groups to have made vocal harmony its true signature. + Jah Watchman Sound System as opening act. Catering available from 7pm. Reservations recommended. Admission 10? Concert organized by the Chalawan association
Next dates:
- 10/03/2026
12270 NAJAC
The Oct. 4, 2026
Trail de Najac
1st Edition! A new adventure is coming to Aveyron.
On Sunday, October 4, 2026, come discover trails that combine footpaths, valleys, forest trails, and historic sites in the heart of one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Najac (12) Long trail: 9:00 a.m. – 16 km, 600 m elevation gain Short trail: 9:30 a.m. – 9 km, 300 m elevation gain Relay race in teams of 2 or 4: 10:00 a.m. – 3.5 km loop Hike: 9:35 a.m. – 9 km Road race for children: 12:00 p.m. – 800 m Conceived and organized by a team of enthusiasts, young volunteers, and local stakeholders, the Najac Trail is, above all, a human adventure designed to help you discover our region in a new way. Welcome to the Najac Trail. First edition, first story to write together.
Next dates:
- 10/04/2026
The Nov. 22, 2026
10ème Salon de la Coutellerie
This fair is for %E0 all enthusiasts, whether they are collectors or artisans. It will be an opportunity to discover, purchase, exchange, or admire unique pieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creativity.
Program to come.
Next dates:
- 11/22/2026
12270 NAJAC
Treasure hunt: ‘The Master of Najac’s Secrets’
Guided by Jules the knight, your children will have to solve puzzles throughout the village to collect the keys and open the treasure chest. A fun treasure hunt for the whole family!
Adventure Park
Hold on tight! Zip lines, suspension bridges, giant nets… The Najac treetop adventure park offers challenges in the heart of the countryside! With nearly 130 activities and a 200-metre river crossing, thrills are guaranteed for all ability levels!
Find out more about this activity with our partner Funbooker
Hot-air balloon ride
Fancy taking to the skies? Treat yourselves to a hot-air balloon ride over Najac and the Aveyron Valley and share a unique and romantic moment together.
Hike – “Najac, a hilltop village (Les Châtaigneraies)”
Follow this lovely 11.8 km route (approx. 3 hours 30 minutes) to discover a variety of landscapes. From the heights of Najac and its magnificent viewpoints, down to the banks of the Aveyron, passing through the chestnut groves that have given this route its other name, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the reawakening of nature and the mild temperatures of the season!
Canoeing and kayaking on the Aveyron
There’s nothing quite like a canoe trip through the heart of the Aveyron Gorges! Paddle with friends or family, navigate small rapids suitable for everyone, and enjoy a refreshing afternoon floating down the river. Head to the leisure centre to organise your trip!
Find out more about this activity with our partner Funbooker
Najac Museum – The Old Najac Museum
When it rains, head to the Old Najac Museum! Immerse yourself in the stories of Najac through objects, archives and photographs donated by local residents.
Our recommendations
VVF Villages
VVF Aveyron Najac
The VVF invites you to enjoy a six-hectare green park with stunning views of the medieval fortress of Najac. Enjoy the ideal setting, complete with a swimming pool, wellness area, sports facilities and entertainment for all the family.
Map of Najac
Prepare your stay at Najac
Office de Tourisme Bastides et Gorges de l'Aveyron
Accessibility
Najac
# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année
# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélo
# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-cars à moins de 15 mn à pieds
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