Najac is a dramatic village to base a first walk around and as we set off this morning with the weather trying hard to mess up our plans we were all a little inspired by the dramatic position of this incredible fortress. We headed first of all into the old bastide – a thirteenth century “new” town and then left through a little opening in the wall. The path proved tricky going at first but then became easier as it descended down to the river Aveyron which made a loud roar under the railroad bridge. After following the river downstream we came to our lunch in a small hotel where the rain had made us seek refuge.
This afternoon a stiff walk brought us to the church. Built in 1258 by the inhabitants of the town in lieu of a fine it was continuing proof of the tradition of Catharism here. We then climbed to the fortress itself. This was the scene of a meeting between Richard the Lionheart and Alfonso II of Aragon who were seeking a way to make the Count of Toulouse show them a little respect. It was also a castle brought to the rule of Simon de montfort in 1214, later to be made much bigger by Alphonse de Poitiers, the brother of his Holy King, Louis IX, before joining the French Crown. An illustrious career for an illustrious building.
At the end of the day we had a fine dinner accompanied by fine wines described in detail by our fine host Daniel, a maître sommelier de France, who explained everything about Gaillac wines that we could possibly need to know. Added to which he personalized the plates. A fine touch…..
