Nestling in a beautiful location in the Aveyron Valley, this former halt on the route to Santaigo de Compostella was forgotten by the outside world until the late 20th<\/sup> century. In 1974 the famous architect, Fernand Pouillon discovered this medieval jewel with its lauzes (stone) roofs\u00a0 and paved alleyways\u00a0 and set about restoring not just the castle, which had lain uninhabited and neglected since the 17th<\/sup> century, but the whole village. Today the castle, which belongs to two gallery owners from New York, is open to the public and often hosts contemporary art exhibitions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This 13th<\/sup> century royal bastide has preserved the built heritage from its golden age; the central square surrounded by arcades, half-timbered houses and the church of Saint Christopher. The former convent and presbytery have been converted into a hub for artists and artisans whose workshops are testament to their skills (cutlery, leather, woodturning, stone masonry, glasswork, engraving etc\u2026)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perched on a rocky outcrop and guarded by a fortified castle, Najac is a shining example of medieval military architecture. Along with Villefranche it is recognised as one of the great sites of Midi-Pyren\u00e9es. The ancient village was redesigned by Alphonse de Poitiers, the brother of the then King Louis, along the lines of a bastide to defend the ancient province of Rouergue.\u00a0 Many architectural and historical jewels remain, such as the 12th<\/sup> century church of Saint John the Baptist, the Consuls\u2019 Fountain (1344), the Place du Barry with its 15th<\/sup> century arcades and, of course, the 13th<\/sup> century castle, listed as a historic monument. Go down to the river Aveyron, below the fortess and take a kayak to appreciate the splendour of the castle and its site.<\/p>\n At 2,460 metres long and 343 metres high, the viduct carries the A75 motorway across the Tarn Valley. It has set several records \u2013it\u2019s the highest road bridge in the world (from the valley floor to the top of its second pylon measures 343 metres) and the road itself is supported by the two highest piers in the world at 221 and 245 metres respectively. To get a fabulous view of this beautiful bridge go to the service station at exit 45 on the A75, signposted \u201cAire du Viaduc\u201d, or follow the same signs from the D911.<\/p>\n This stunning modern building is home to almost 500 works of art, gifted by the world renowned Pierre Soulages, the most famous living French artist and a native of Rodez. In addition to the almost 6,000 m\u00b2 dedicated to his work, a 500m\u00b2 exhibition hall showcases the works of other contemporary artists.<\/p>\n The permanent exhibition shows off all the techniques employed by Soulages in his work, whether on paper, canvas, glass, bronze or copper, not just paintings, but also lithographs, silk screen prints and etchings, as well as the preparatory work for the windows of the Abbey at Conques.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This medieval village, one of \u201cthe most beautiful\u201d in France is a former stop on the road to Santiago de Compostella. Surrounded by half-timbered house, you will find a masterpiece of Roman architecture, the Abbey-Church of Conques and the tympan of the last judgement (11th<\/sup>– 12th<\/sup> century), now classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Don\u2019t miss the Soulages windows in the Abbey nor the famous golden treasure from medieval times.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tourisme-aveyron-segala.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/Belcastel-chateau-M.Hennessy-Tourisme-Aveyron.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSAUVETERRE DE ROUERGUE ( 20 km)<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nNAJAC (36km)<\/h3>\n
<\/a>A bit further afield \u2013 but not to miss<\/h2>\n
MILLAU VIADUCT<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nMUSEE SOULAGES –\u00a0 Rodez<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/em>CONQUES<\/h3>\n