NAJAC CASTLE

Before the fortress, there was a fortified castle, built in 1100 by Bertrand de Saint-Gilles, son of Raymond VII, Count of Rodez. A simple square tower in the ^12th century, the fortress overlooking the village was enlarged in the ^13th century and became the keystone of the country. Commissioned in 1253 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis, the Fortress of Najac was built by the Counts of Toulouse to defend Rouergue. As the capital of Bas Rouergue, it housed the Seneschaussée. In 1249, on the death of Count Raimond VII, he was succeeded by his son-in-law Alphonse de Poitiers, and the region, including Najac, rose up for a few months. The new Count brought the region back into line, before deciding to consolidate his power by reinforcing the existing military structure. The tour begins with an evocation of the architecture and construction techniques employed by the builders. The signatures of the various trades are clearly visible. Inside, you'll find well-preserved rooms and the chapel, with its sculpted vaults and capitals. The tour is punctuated by anecdotes. For example, you'll learn that the English troops welcomed in 1362 were driven from the fortress using a local technique. In keeping with the rule of hospitality, the owners offered their guests unlimited wine, so they had no trouble getting them over the walls! Today, many British subjects have chosen to settle in Aveyron.