NOUAILLES
medieval estate
Toulouse in France
THE LOCAL AREA
Nouailles is located at the border of the department of the Aveyron, where it joins the departments of the Tarn et Garonne and the Lot. It is also on the ancient boundary between the regions of the Quercy and the Rouergue, the extremity of the Albigensian heresy, and the border of the old English lands of Aquitaine. One of the routes to St Jacques De Compostelle passes through the hills behind the farm. It is therefore within easy reach of a number of significant and beautiful towns, such as Albi, Bruniquel, Cahors, Conques, Cordes sur Ciel, Figeac, Montauban, Penne, Rocomadour, Rodez, St Cirque-Lapopie and Toulouse.
NOT TO BE MISSED
In addition, the house is within easy reach of the caves at Peche Merle, Bosc and Foissac, the Gorges du Lot, du Tarn De L’Aveyron, the Châteaux at Beaulieu and at Loc Dieu (where the Mona Lisa was hidden during the Second World War). The vineyards of Cahors, Gaillac, Marcillac, Entraygues, Espalion and Fronton are also worth a visit.
There are numerous markets around the area selling local produce and artefacts.
NEAREST TOWN
The nearest sizeable town is Villefranche de Rouergue which is 9 km to the north. This has a full range of supermarkets, restaurants and other shops and amenities including hospitals and some beautiful historic buildings, notably the chapel of the Penitent Noirs and a beautiful chartreuse. It is a traditional Bastide town with a thriving market on a Thursday.
LOCAL VILLAGES
Some 8 km to the south is one of France’s most beautiful villages, Najac, with its old castle dominating the skyline. It is possible to take a canoe from Najac down the Aveyron. There is also a riding stable, a pizzeria, a creperie and some excellent restaurants.
The local village, Monteils, is 4 km away and has a shop, an excellent bakery, a bar and a restaurant. It also has an old church, the post office, a convent and an agricultural college. There is a farm which makes and confit de canard and other regional delicacies. It’s open to the public for trips to see the feeding of the ducks.
THINGS TO DO
PLUS SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES
FISHING
In the lake on the property this does not require a fishing licence.
Along the Western border of the property is the Assou River, a tributary of the Aveyron, which is a good fishing river but needs a licence (obtainable over the counter in the Tabac in Villefranche de Rouergue).
NATURE
We have identified over 50 species of bird and over 40 species of butterfly at Nouailles as well as the Emperor moth, the humming bird hawkmoth, and many different dragon and damselflies.
There are also roe deer, munkjac, wild boar, genet, copyu, red squirrel, pine marten and stone marten. The meadows are abundant in wild flowers including orchids.
WALKING
The GR36 and many smaller walks pass by the property. These are well signposted and there are books at the property showing walks of all durations and levels.
One of our favourite walks is over the hills to the beautiful village of Najac about 9 kilometres away. The property is close to one of the pilgrims’ routes to St Jacques du Compostelle.
MUSIC
There are regular concerts at the local chateau of Loc Dieu, where the Mona Lisa was concealed during WWII, and in the Collegiale in Villefranche de Rouergue.
There are also a series of local fetes in each of the communes over the Summer, including a grand firework display across the lake at Parisot and over the castle in Najac. (Details from the Tourist Office).
VINEYARDS
Nouailles is within easy distance of some well known wine growing regions, such as Cahors and Gaillac, and some less well known such as Marcillac, Fronton, Entraygues and Espalion.
In all these areas the vignerons are keen to meet visitors and to show them the wine making process and provide generous samples of the end product.