Local activities

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What to do Overview ...... 3 Markets ...... 6 Marche nocturne ...... 6 Local Restaurants/Bars ...... 7 Walks around the Gite ...... 8 Walk along The River ...... 8 Walk to the River Viaur from the Gite ...... 9 Walk from the Gite to the viewing point above Bar and the Viaur valley ...... 10 Short Circular Woodland Walk (45 minutes)...... 11 Cycling ...... 12 Circular ride from the Gite ...... 12 Ride to ...... 13 Ride along the Valley ...... 14 Running routes ...... 16 Just under 5km ...... 16 4-5km circuit ...... 17 Just under 4km Woodland Path ...... 18 Outdoor Activities ...... 19 Kayakking, climbing and other outdoor activities ...... 19 Via Ferrata ...... 19 Appendix ...... 20 Villefranche Market Plan ...... 20

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What to do Overview

Particularly over the summer, on any day, villages could be holding their little festivals, jazz festivals could be happening, ad hoc concerts and cultural activities may be arranged. Closer to the time we will be more aware, but at any point the Tourist Office in Najac is a mine of information and will help to fill every day..... if that is what you are looking for. Here are a few tasters (in alphabetical order): Bird Watching Some pretty good birdwatching can be had, just sitting on the terrace watching over the fields and landscape, particularly when the farmers are busy, but there is also a migration watching station 10 minutes away on the plateau above the village. Climbing/Via Roc de Gorb, is a series of cliffs by the River Viaur Ferrata only 5 minutes from the Gite. They have been extensively kitted out with routes, and facilities for competent and equipped climbers to climb with their own equipment. There is also a Via Ferrata, which is a cabled route including cable bridges, and a zip wire 100m above the gorge. The equipment is available to hire in the village. Cultural/shopping If you are looking for culture, it may be worth having a city day and visiting the city of Albi overlooking the river , with its red brick cathedral and Toulouse Lautrec museum. It also provides a civilised shopping outing in an extensively pedestrianised shopping area of the old city. Cycling For the serious road cyclist there are some very scenic but challenging routes local to the Gîte, but because of the hilly landscape, we have identified one or two 1-1.5hour rides for the mere mortals which are less punishing. There are also some very well signposted and mapped off road routes for mountain bikes, all accessible directly from the Gîte.

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Historical The area is steeped in history, mainly from early medieval when England ruled part of the area, with references to English bishops in some of the local villages. The village of Najac also played a key role in the area with its impressive fortress, built both as a sign of power but also to protect pilgrims. There is a lot of Cathar history in the area. The Cathars were a sect persecuted in 13th Century, so plenty of gory medieval history to interest the teenager...maybe. A novel by Kate Mosse, "Labyrinth", is worth a read if you want a dramatised account of the Cathars. Kayaking and In Najac there is an outdoor activity centre AAGAC outdoor activities (www.aagac.com). Here, it is possible to pay for monitor led climbing, mountain biking etc. or the most popular holiday activity is to hire kayaks independently and take them down the river stopping for a picnic and a swim, and then bussing back to the centre. Marche Nocturne Throughout the summer, Najac holds a Marche des Producteurs in the main street at night. Long tables are laid out in the street, and while bands play, you can buy your dinner and wine from the local producers and eat in a convivial manner al fresco. Pretty Villages There are pretty villages galore within an easy drive. Najac (10 mins) and Cordes-sur-Ciel (25 mins) are bastide towns, both boast an entry in the "most beautiful villages of ". In the neighbouring Lot department, you can drive along the Lot river gorge to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (1 hour). And in the other direction Saint Antonin Noble Val on the River Aveyron (40 mins) hosts a vibrant Sunday market all year round. The village co-starrred with Helen Mirren in the film The Hundred Foot Journey.

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Restaurants There is a restaurant in St Andre de Najac (5 mins) which is open all year round, and as well its evening menu, they provide a 14€ lunch menu (Soup, starter, main, cheese, dessert, wine) No choice. Popular with locals, trades, and tourists alike. La Chataigneraie is a small bar/creperie which is only open in the summer season, right next to the river Viaur (about 10 min drive). They serve savoury and sweet crepes and galettes with a background of live jazz. Possible to walk to the bar from the Gîte along the river - probably best to get a lift back! There are a number of good restaurants in Najac, which tend to be seasonal and further afield, there is plenty to choose from. River Swimming Gîte des Milans is in the commune of Bor et Bar, and the village overlooks the valley of the River Viaur. It is possible to walk from the Gîte down to the river on footpaths (45 mins), but it is quite a climb back. There are also access points for cars, and car parks. The river offers welcome shade in the summer and river swimming is possible at points along the bank. Village Festivals Our local village has two festivals, the first which is run by the comite des jeunes in July, and the second for the older generation is in August. Typically, long tables in the streets, sausage and chips or local specialities such as stuffed pork and aligot(cheesy mashed potatoes), cheap wine and live music. Every village has their festival on a different day, and welcomes visitors. Walking For a weeks walking holiday, based at the Gîte there is a wide range of options within an hour of the Gite, but this would require more detailed planning. For the guests who would like an occasional beautiful walk, starting either from the Gîte or from the village, there are some well mapped and signposted paths, taking the walker round the valleys and rivers. Wine Tasting We are on the edge of two important wine areas. Gaillac and Cahors. Gaillac has a range of wines but is famous for its white perle (slightly petillant) and red, and Cahors is heavy French Malbec red. The town of Gaillac offers various wine tasting experiences and there are a large number of Chateaux in Cahors and Gaillac offering tours and tasting.

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Markets

Thursday: Villefranche de Rouergue. The main market for the area, runs all the year round and is popular with both locals and tourists. Saturday: Cordes-Sur-Ciel. A small market in the square at the bottom of the hill. Sunday: Najac. Produce market in the main street. Tip: watch the cheese seller, she is known to always cut off more than you ask for. Just refuse it if you're not comfortable. Sunday: St. Antonin-Noble-Val. 45-minute drive. A pretty village on the river Aveyron, and also a pretty market which runs all year. Very popular. Get there early, and try and park just after the tunnel, and walk across the bridge.

Marche nocturne

There is a night market in Najac every Wednesday night in the July/August. Buy your food from local producers and eat your dinner at the long tables provided. And there are also occasional night markets in Villefranche.

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Local Restaurants/Bars

. Le Relais Mont le Viaur, open all year round, and as well its evening menu, they provide a 14€ lunch menu (Soup, starter, main, cheese, dessert, wine) No choice. Popular with locals, trades, and tourists alike. T: 05.65.65.08.68

. The St Andre, a new bar in St Andre de Najac run by a young couple selling local draught beers, wines and sharing platters of local cheeses and charcuterie (open Thursday – Sunday). Often live music.

. La Chataigneraie in Lagarde Viaur. Open in the summer months. Buckwheat crepes, next to the river with live jazz every evening. CASH ONLY, very popular must book. T: 05.65.65.63.07

. Oustal del Barry. Traditional French formal cuisine. At the top of Najac, views over the valley. Booking advisable. T:05.65.29.74.32

. Il Cappello. Pizzas. Classic Pizza restaurant on the road down to the station in Najac T: 05.65.29.70.26

. L’A Terrasse in Laguepie. Smart restaurant, outdoor elegant dining. No choice menu. Excellent Chef. Highly recommended for a special meal. 06.79.59.31.49

. Le Moulin de Varen. Elegant French food, in converted mill. 25 minute drive. T: 05.63.65.45.10

. ALBI – Le Clos Sainte Cécile. Pretty characterful outdoor restaurant in the shadow of the Cathedral tower. T: 05.63.38.19.74

If you’d like us to make a reservation for you, please ask

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Walks around the Gite

There is a small folder detailing some beautiful walks around the commune of Bor et Bar, amongst the area information on the desk. "Decouvrez les Sentiers de BOR ET BAR" All of the walks start from the village of Bar, but if you want to start from the Gite, there are a couple of good walks which join with the signposted walks. Please ask Richard or Anna. Walk along The River Viaur

A short drive from the Gîte will take you to the river Viaur. Turn right from the Gîte and follow the road through the village of Bar. Just before you reach the bottom of the valley, turn sharp right to the campsite Gourpassou. Go through the farm and follow the road to the end, where there is a small car park. From here you can walk along the river. If you would like a long walk, it is possible to walk to the next bridge at Lagarde sur Viaur and return along the other side of the river.

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Walk to the River Viaur from the Gite

This is part of walk number 5 in the folder “Decouvrez les Sentiers de Bor et Bar” It’s a nice 40-45 minute walk down to the River Viaur directly from the house, although it’s quite a climb to come back up again. A lot of people arrange to get a lift back. When you get to the river, if you turn left and follow it upstream you will arrive at the Rock climbing centre and car park, which you can get to in a car as described earlier in 1. Walk along The River Viaur. Directions - Turn Right out of the gate - After 400m turn right then immediately left, signposted Les Pradines - In Les Pradines follow the little the road round the house with white shutters on the corner, and follow the path down the hill to the river following the little yellow footpath signs

When you get to the river, turn left. If you are walking back, not much further along the yellow footpath sign will take you back up the valley to the village of Bar. If you are getting a lift back, just 15-20 minutes and you will pass the climbing rock and arrive at the car park. You can swim at various places along the path.

An alternative is to turn right at the river and walk to La Chataigneraie(creperie) at Lagarde sur Viaur. 45 mins.

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Walk from the Gite to the viewing point above Bar and the Viaur valley

This is a “there and back” walk but for those who would like a longer walk, it joins walk number 1 in the folder “Decouvrez les Sentiers de Bor et Bar”, an 11km walk which ends in the village of Bar. Directions - Turn right out of the gate, and after 450m, turn left up the hill by the bins. - After 750m turn right signposted La Bonnaudie. - Follow the road round the sharp bend and up to Bor On a clear day it is possible to see the Pyrenees from this point - Cross the crossroads and follow the road past the church (30 minutes) It is also possible to drive to this point and park in front of the church, for a shorter walk - Follow the road for about 600m, and just before the farm gate, take the footpath to the left. Yellow footpath sign 1. - Follow the track through the woodland, round a sharp bend, then up a steep hill. At the top of the hill the viewpoint is on your right. Not for those with vertigo, and children should be kept on a tight lead!

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Short Circular Woodland Walk (45 minutes)

This is a pretty circular walk through woodland overlooking the Viaur valley. 1. Turn right out of the gates 2. Follow the road past the junction to the right, then past the junction to the left with the bins, then down the hill towards Bar. 3. You will walk alongside some fields to the right, and then it will turn to woodland. 4. Just after a long wall on the right of the road, take the path through the woods to your right. 5. Follow this path through to the hamlet of Les Pradines. 6. Pass through the hamlet and 100m after the bungalow take the fork to the right. 7. Follow the road to the end. 8. Turn right, then left and after 400m the Gîte is on the left

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Cycling

There are bikes and helmets available in the woodshed next to the main entrance. Please ask Richard before you wish to go, and he will ensure that you are kitted out with the right bike and will sort out seat heights etc. There are no flat routes round here, but here are two doable rides.

Circular ride from the Gite

1.5 hour cycle route from the Gite. A steep run down at the beginning and then a long gentle climb up to the high ridge, followed by final run home. On a clear day, you will see the Pyrenees from the ridge. If you have time, at the high point on the ridge, follow the sign to the Cheval du Roi Point d'Observation on the left where you will find an excellent view point.

Turn left out of gate, fast run down hill but take the second right just before the bridge. Follow river, do not take the right fork, go up steep hill through a farm and then at crossroads (Arcanhac), turn left. At T-junction turn right and climb to Lunac. (pretty village, good bakers, small bar if you fancy a drink) Cycle downhill, out of Lunac and turn right on D544 signposted Bor. Turn right at the top and the road will take you along the ridge. At the end there is a long steep down hill to a T junction(next to the bins). Turn right and the Gite is 450m on the left.

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Ride to Najac

45 minutes 10km

As you descend to Najac, the best view point can be found in the car park on the left. Don't speed past.

Turn right out of gate Turn right at junction down D544. At the main road turn left and climb to St Andre de Najac. Turn right down the D239 signposted to Najac. (downhill to river, steep uphill followed by long plateau) As you descend to Najac, at the T junction, turn right and climb to the main village on the corner at the top.

Tourist Office is 100m down the old village on the left.

N.B. Google Maps may take you a different way. But either way is good.

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Ride along the Aveyron Valley

The only sure way to avoid big hills is to ride along the Aveyron river Valley. Start either from the Gîte or from Laguepie. Most people will require a lift back from Laguepie! The Seghalar restaurant is a very popular, friendly no frills restaurant in serving a 14€ lunch menu. This makes a good 1.5-2 hour ride for lunch. Tel: 05.63.56.36.82

Turn right out of gate Turn right at junction down D544. At the main road turn left and climb to St Andre de Najac. Continue along the main road toward Laguepie. At the end of a long straight section of road, turn left and follow the signs to Laval. Beware of left turn in a little hamlet. At the bottom by the little church Notre Dame de Laval, follow the road round to the right and follow the river valley to Laguepie. When you reach the campsite, turn left into the site and continue along the path into the village. Join the main road (towards Cordes) and cross the bridge in the shadow of the old chateau. Turn right. Follow the cycle route signs to Milhars. In Milhars, the route takes a sharp turn right towards and St. Antonin. At this point, if you are just going to the Seghalar

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restaurant in Milhars, continue along the main road for 100m and its on your right. If you are going to Saint Antonin, follow the veloroute signs

All the way to Saint Antonin Noble-Val Distance 40km, Estimated time 2 hours (2.5 hours)

Seghalar Restaurant in Milhars Distance 30km, Estimated time 1 hour 40 (2 hours)

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Running routes

There are three short running routes that we would recommend for training, and they can all be looped together if you want. Just under 5km

This route is probably the flattest available in the area and is a “there and back” route on the road. 1. Turn right out of the gate and run pas t Les Places 2. After 400m turn right onto D544 towards Saint Andre de Najac 3. Run to the end and turn round and come back

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4-5km circuit

This is more hilly than the first run but worth the climb for the view 1. Turn left out of the gate 2. Turn right at the top of the hill by the white house 3. Follow the road past the farm, and up to the top of the hill 4. At the junction, turn right 5. Follow the hill down, and turn right by the bins 6. The Gîte is 450m on the left Extra Loop. To make this slightly longer at no.4, continue straight on over the crossroads towards the village of Bor. At the crossroads by the convent, turn right and follow the road round and it will join the hill down to the bins.

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Just under 4km Woodland Path

This is a pretty circular track through woodland overlooking the Viaur valley. 1. Turn right out of the gates 2. Follow the road past the junction to the right, then past the junction to the left with the bins, then down the hill towards Bar. 3. You will walk alongside some fields to the right, and then it will turn to woodland. 4. Just after a long wall on the right of the road, take the path through the woods to your right. 5. Follow this path through to the hamlet of Les Pradines. 6. Pass through the hamlet and 100m after the bungalow take the fork to the right. 7. Follow the road to the end. 8. Turn right, then left and after 400m the Gîte is on the left

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Outdoor Activities Kayakking, climbing and other outdoor activities

The AAGAC Activity Centre in Najac offers various different outdoor activities which are led by instructors. Details can be found in their leaflets. At AAGAC there is also a child friendly “Accrobranche” like “Go Ape”, with zip wires and walkways in the trees. Different levels for different sizes/age groups.

Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata is a cabled climbing route at the climbing rocks by the RIver Viaur including a very high and impressive zip wire. This is a route maintained by the village and is open for use by everybody just by turning up with the right kit. The equipment is available for hire in the village of Bar (15€ per person), or for 30€ it is possible to join an instructor-led group at the AAGAC in Najac. For info ask Richard

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Appendix Villefranche Market Plan

When you arrive in Villefranche, turn left just after the Hospital and cross the railway line. P - The Car Park next to the station is the easiest place to park in the Summer season.

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The two main market squares are marked on the map, but the market also runs down one of the main ring road streets.

G – the Globe Café is a popular local café. If you want a simple inexpensive lunch, you should reserve a table for lunch as you pass on your way in.

M- Monsieur Marty is a very popular local cheese maker. His sheep’s cheese is very good.

C – Another cheese stall run out of a trailer by a young brother and sister. Good range and good value.

A – Anna’s non-food recommendation. Italian linen dresses and ladies’ clothes.

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