Najac from the VVF, walking along the Aveyron

Starting point: VVF Aveyron Najac, Le Puech Moutonnier.

(S/E) Head right down to the bottom, south of the holiday village, and take the small path on the left signposted towards the Aveyron just after the path to Cassagne. Starting at the edge of the woodland, this path follows the top of the ridge, then drops down towards the valley floor on the left, before veering back to the right and continuing the descent towards the Aveyron until it reaches a wide track.

(1) Take this path to the right and you’ll reach the pretty Auribal mill, alongside a few houses. This path may be used by some kayak hire companies.

(2) Carry on to the next junction, where a path branches off to the right.

(3) Follow this path, go through the railway tunnel and continue along the valley floor until you reach a bridge and the Gabanel Fountain

(4) Cross the bridge and climb up to the road in the village of Najac.

(5) Turn right, then take the steps on the left at the corner of No. 16. Next, follow the street to the right (Rue de la Portette) and, at the top, continue to the right. Pass the town hall and climb up to a fountain. Continue along the left-hand side of the Place du Faubourg until you reach the D39.

(6) Head downhill to the right, towards Monteils, along Route de Coustoune, until you reach the hairpin bend.

(7) Follow the D239 to the left for about ten metres, then take the Chemin de Vernhe, heading downhill to the right. Cross the bottom of the valley, then head back up the opposite side. The path crosses two tracks and leads to the holiday village (S/E).

On 20 May 2026, the narrow path leading down from the holiday village to the Aveyron was quite overgrown, with quite a few brambles. We managed to get through, however, without any special equipment and without tearing our clothes (bring a pair of secateurs to prevent the path from becoming overgrown). The ground was damp and the stones slippery. This is a shortcut compared to the similar walk, which follows a slightly longer circular route and rejoins the Aveyron further south. I’m not sure if we saved much time, as progress is relatively slow until you reach the Aveyron, but we still really enjoyed this section.

Walking boots are recommended for the descent towards the Aveyron (rocks).

Tourism in the Aveyron – Najac.

(5) The village of Najac, its fortress, the governor’s house, and don’t miss the Old Najac Museum (free, small but rich and eclectic), housed in a typical old house on Place du Faubourg opposite the Tourist Office.

The banks of the Aveyron.