# Najac

> commune in Aveyron, France

**Wikidata**: [Q633653](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q633653)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najac)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/najac

## Summary
Najac is a historic commune located in the Aveyron department of France, known for its medieval castle and picturesque setting. It is part of the canton of Najac and the arrondissement of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, and is recognized as one of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Najac is situated in the Aveyron department, within the Occitanie region of France.
- **Coordinates**: 44.22°N latitude, 1.9791666666667°E longitude.
- **Population**: Estimated at 720 residents (with historical figures ranging from 697 to 1,029).
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the canton of Najac and the arrondissement of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
- **Notable Landmark**: Home to the Château de Najac, a medieval castle.
- **Transportation**: Served by the Gare de Najac railway station.
- **Recognition**: Listed among *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* since 1982.
- **Website**: [http://najac.fr](http://najac.fr)

## FAQs
**Where is Najac located?**
Najac is a commune in the Aveyron department of France, within the Occitanie region. It lies at coordinates 44.22°N, 1.9791666666667°E.

**What is Najac known for?**
Najac is renowned for its medieval Château de Najac and its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, an association highlighting scenic and historic French villages.

**How many people live in Najac?**
The population of Najac fluctuates around 720 residents, with historical records showing variations between 697 and 1,029.

**What administrative divisions does Najac belong to?**
Najac is part of the canton of Najac and the arrondissement of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, both within the Aveyron department.

**Does Najac have any notable landmarks?**
Yes, the Château de Najac is a prominent medieval castle located in the commune.

**Is Najac connected by rail?**
Yes, Najac has a railway station, Gare de Najac, providing transport links.

**When was Najac recognized as one of France’s most beautiful villages?**
Najac has been part of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* association since its inception on March 6, 1982.

## Why It Matters
Najac represents a well-preserved example of medieval French heritage, offering cultural and historical significance through landmarks like the Château de Najac. Its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* underscores its scenic and architectural value, contributing to regional tourism and the preservation of rural French identity. As a small commune, it also reflects the administrative and cultural diversity of France’s decentralized governance.

## Notable For
- **Château de Najac**: A medieval castle that serves as a major historical attraction.
- **The Most Beautiful Villages of France**: Recognized as one of the country’s most picturesque villages since 1982.
- **Administrative Structure**: Part of the canton of Najac and the arrondissement of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
- **Railway Access**: Home to Gare de Najac, providing regional connectivity.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Najac is situated in the Aveyron department of France, within the Occitanie region. Its coordinates are 44.22°N latitude and 1.9791666666667°E longitude. The commune is nestled in a landscape characterized by rolling hills and the Aveyron River, contributing to its scenic appeal.

### Administrative and Political Structure
Najac is part of the canton of Najac, a territorial subdivision within the Aveyron department. It also falls under the arrondissement of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, which oversees multiple communes in the area. As a commune, Najac operates under France’s decentralized local governance system, with its own municipal administration.

### Demographics
The population of Najac has varied over time, with recent estimates placing it at around 720 residents. Historical data shows fluctuations, with past counts ranging from 697 to 1,029. The commune’s small size reflects its rural character, typical of many villages in the Aveyron region.

### Landmarks and Tourism
Najac is best known for the **Château de Najac**, a medieval fortress that overlooks the village. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is a key attraction for visitors interested in history and architecture. Additionally, Najac’s inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* since 1982 has enhanced its reputation as a destination for cultural tourism.

### Transportation
Najac is served by the **Gare de Najac** railway station, which provides connections to nearby towns and cities. This infrastructure supports both local commuters and tourists visiting the area.

### Recognition and Associations
Najac is a member of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, an independent association founded on March 6, 1982, to promote and preserve the country’s most scenic and historically significant villages. This recognition has helped Najac maintain its cultural heritage while attracting visitors.

### Online Presence
The commune maintains an official website at [http://najac.fr](http://najac.fr), which provides information for residents and tourists, including details on local events, history, and administrative services.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/O5--0250)
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
26. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File