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On the trails of Rouergue: Caylus, Beaulieu Abbey, and Najac from Les Hauts de Sauliès

From Les Hauts de Sauliès, take the road to medieval Rouergue, a land of history and light.
From Caylus, a market town with Gothic facades and arcaded squares, to the Cistercian Abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue, a spiritual center that has become a hub for contemporary art, to Najac, a hilltop village overlooking the Aveyron Gorges, this itinerary combines art, heritage, and unspoiled nature.
A day spent in monastic silence and surrounded by magnificent panoramas, discovering the authentic and inspiring Southwest.

  • Caylus – 56 minutes
  • Beaulieu Abbey in Rouergue – 13 minutes
  • Najac – 25 minutes
  • Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 1 hour 15 minutes

Caylus – Travel time: 56 min

Nestled in the green valley of La Bonnette, Caylus is a picturesque medieval town built around an ancient castle. A commercial crossroads since the Middle Ages, the town prospered after the Albigensian Crusade and developed a regular urban layout, with arcaded squares and a market hall. Its cobbled streets and Gothic houses still bear witness to this rich past.

Church of Saint John the Baptist (14th century)

Rebuilt in the 14th century, the Church of Saint John the Baptist dominates the center of the village. It houses a superb wooden Christ carved by Ossip Zadkine, as well as 14th-century stained glass windows that bathe the choir in soft light. A true emblem of Caylus, it is surrounded by old houses that form a harmonious setting.
Opening hours: free access

House of the Wolves (14th century)

A symbol of Gothic civil architecture, the Maison des Loups owes its name to the four sculpted wolf heads that emerge from its façade like gargoyles. Built around 1350, it reflects the refinement of Caylus’ wealthy families and is one of the village’s major historical monuments.

Market hall (15th century)

In the heart of the market square, the market hall dating from 1505 still hosts weekly markets. Supported by sturdy stone and wooden pillars, it has embodied the commercial vitality of Caylus for more than five centuries. Surrounding it, the arcaded galleries and old houses form one of the best-preserved medieval complexes in the Quercy region.

Beaulieu Abbey in Rouergue – Travel time: 13 min     

Founded in the 12th century on the banks of the Seye River, the Cistercian abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue is a jewel of southern Gothic architecture, combining simplicity, soft lighting, and architectural elegance. Restored in the 1960s, it has been a center for contemporary art since 1970, where monastic heritage and modern creation interact in a peaceful, green setting.
Designed according to the classic Cistercian plan, the abbey is built around a central cloister connecting the church, chapter house, dormitories, and monastic living spaces. Although the Gothic cloister was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the complex retains a rare harmony: a place conducive to meditation, contemplation, and artistic discovery.
Hours: April to October 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Open all day until 6 p.m. from June to September

Najac – Travel time: 25 min

Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Najac charms visitors with its spectacular location in the heart of the Aveyron Gorges. Its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views make it the perfect place to combine heritage discovery with unspoiled nature. Guided tours, hikes, and boat trips allow visitors to explore all its facets.

Royal Fortress of Najac

Built in the 13th century, the royal fortress dominates the valley and bears witness to the power of the Counts of Toulouse. Its Gothic towers, 13th-century frescoes, and secret passages reveal the defensive ingenuity of the time. From its ramparts, the view of the village and the gorges is breathtaking. The most visited private monument in Occitanie, the castle offers a striking insight into medieval history.
Opening hours: April to October 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open all day on certain dates – from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August.

Governor’s House

A former 14th-century stately home, the Maison du Gouverneur now houses the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center. Completely restored, it hosts exhibitions on the bastides of Rouergue and offers breathtaking views of the fortress from its terraces.
Opening hours: April to October 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Open all day until 6:00 p.m. from June to September

Church of Saint John the Evangelist

Built in the 13th century between the town center and the pilgrims’ quarter, the Church of Saint John the Evangelist marks the Catholic reconquest against the Cathar heresy. Listed as a Historic Monument, it houses some exceptional furnishings: a 13th-century processional cross, a 15th-century Catalan Christ, symbolist stained glass windows, and a medieval well dug into the rock to supply the sanctuary in case of siege.
Opening hours: April to October, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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