Château du Pic with unparalleled views over the beautiful medieval village of Najac

Secluded on a hilltop giving unparalleled views over the beautiful medieval village of Najac, with its own heated pool in a secret garden, the attractions of the 19th century Château du Pic are obvious.

Built in 1886 by the Najac born Rouquet brothers returning to the village having made their fortune in Paris, Château du Pic boasts the elegant proportions of the era combined with all the comforts of modern living. This truly elegant but comfortable home has been renovated to an extremely high standard whilst retaining its period features and is beautifully furnished; combining the luxury of the new with the stylishness of the past. The stunning village of Najac with its 12th century fortress château is a leisurely ten minute stroll and has an excellent bakery, a surprisingly good wine shop, a small épicerie, several gift and craft shops plus the excellent Bar de la Plage which is the hub of the village.

There is a marché nocturne on Wednesdays in July and August where you can eat delicious local produce at long tables in the square and soak up the local culture. For more formal dining there is the L'Oustal del Barry in the village. The Relais Mont le Viaur and, for the serious foodie, Château de Longcol, are both a short drive away. The village also hosts an evening torchlit tour up to the Château of Najac in the summer months. There is plenty to do for those seeking a more active vacation; exploring the local area on horseback, canoeing on the Aveyron, cycling along the sharp hills and long descents of the famous local gorges, fishing, or leisurely walks in the unspoilt countryside. Château de Saint-Projet, known as Queen Margot's Castle

For those seeking a little culture, Villefranche de Rouergue is home to the largest cloisters in France as well as having a colourful Thursday market and the excellent L'Univers restaurant. Château de Saint-Projet, known as Queen Margot's Castle, is worth a visit for its collection of 16th century objects and furniture. The small town of St Antoine de Noble Val is home to the oldest civic building in France and has a lively Sunday market.

Yves Thuries sugar museum and the wonderful Jardins des Paradis

The stunning hilltop village of Cordes-sur-Ciel is a great day out with its plethora of galleries, gorgeous shops, Yves Thuries sugar museum and the wonderful Jardins des Paradis.

Albi famous for its Toulouse-Lautrec museum and extraordinary cathedral

Further afield and easily accessible for an excellent day out are Toulouse (there are several daily trains from Najac) know as the pink city and home to Saint-Sernin, the largest Ronanesque building in Europe and famed for its saussicon, Rodez with its many museums, lovely shopping area, bustling restaurants and tranquil squares and Albi famous for its Toulouse-Lautrec museum and extraordinary cathedral. Autumns in Najac are long and mellow

Out of season, rural France remains beautiful but presents an entirely different face and a slower pace of life. Autumns in Najac are long and mellow; by the end of September, the weather begins to cool but even so there are plenty of warm sunny days enabling guests to take full advantage of the heated pool.

Time for breakfasts or early evening drinks on the terrace enjoying the breath-taking view

Christmas and New Year are times of awesome natural beauty in south-west France: frosts, mists and occasional snow. Early spring though is when the Aveyron comes back to life, flowers and fruit trees are in bloom and the weather is warm and sunny. Time for breakfasts or early evening drinks on the terrace enjoying the breath-taking view; the long evenings of

May and June are perfect for poolside BBQs and evening swims. The Château du Pic is truly a holiday destination for all seasons.

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