Car Hire rodez Airport

The medieval heart of Rodez is just 20 minutes’ drive from the airport via the D840 route. It’s easy to navigate in and around the regional capital, with all the major routes coming together at one central roundabout.

There are a number of free car parks on the outskirts of Rodez, while in the centre on-street spaces and underground garages are the most convenient choices. You’ll need to pay a fee, but it’s worth it if you want to be close to all the main attractions.

There’s an abundance of adventure awaiting within easy driving distance from Rodez too. Toulouse is like its big sibling - known as La Ville Rose because of the same blushing pink buildings. It takes around two hours to drive there via the N88 and A68 routes, perfect for an excursion to this idyllic riverside city.

For a day at the coast, drive south to Montpellier via the A75. The route takes approximately two hours, passing over the Millau Viaduct on the way. Much more than a means to an end, this is an experience in itself – the viaduct is one of the longest and tallest bridges (in some places, taller than the Eiffel Tower). This is scenic driving at its best, soaring over the rolling, green landscapes of the Cevennes National Park.

If you’re fan of cheese, the world-famous town of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is a must. Drive from Rodez on the D911 and, in around one hour and 15 minutes, you can be feasting on the authentic, locally-produced blue delicacy.

In France, driving is on the right of the road, with overtaking on the left. Many French motorways, known as ‘autoroutes’, are toll roads, so it’s a good idea to carry some currency with you. These routes are usually less congested, making them the preferred option for keeping journey times to a minimum.

Speed limits on French roads change depending on the weather. When it’s wet, the maximum speed limit on autoroutes is 110km/h – but it is normally 130km/h when the conditions are dry. The limit on rural roads with multiple lanes – called B routes - is 80km/h, and in towns and cities it is usually around 50km.

Rodez is a small city with big dreams. The streets are lined with carefully-preserved medieval buildings, all with the same rose-tinted hue, owing to the colour of the local sandstone.

This is the capital of the enchanting Aveyron region, and it is an embodiment of the beauty and atmosphere you will find in the landscape beyond.

Old town adventures

The old centre of Rodez is every inch the romantic setting. Follow the historic centre circuit, signposted by green arrows, to see all the most charming sights. These include the Maison d’Armagnac, a masterpiece of a building that towers over its surroundings, and Église Saint-Amans, with its curving walls and rouge-tinted steeple.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Rodez is perhaps the main attraction, however – a blushing cathedral that juts up through the skyline. Look closely and you’ll see stone gargoyles clinging onto the walls, adding a curious twist to this otherwise heavenly building.

The peculiarities don’t end there. In fact, such weird and wonderful stoneworks are a rather treasured quirk of the old town landscape. From stone pig heads guarding doorways, to mythical creatures hidden in the shadows, there are many intricate details waiting to be found as you explore the labyrinth of boutiques and book shops.

For souvenirs that are really special, do your shopping on market days – when the old town transforms into a bustling maze of stalls.

Glorious galleries

Rodez boasts a grand array of culture in its suitably splendid buildings. Perhaps most famous is Musée Soulages, opened in honour of local artist and sculptor Pierre Soulages, nicknamed ‘the painter of black’. The contemporary industrial style of the building itself contrasts with the leafy surroundings of City Park, making it an artwork all on its own.

The palatial splendour of Musée Denys-Puech is the total opposite of this more modern architecture, meanwhile, with gleaming white stonework, golden dog sculptures on guard and a grand columned entranceway.

Inside, you’ll discover a contemporary haven of sculptures and installations, including works by its founder, the late Denys Puech, a fine art sculptor in 19^th-century France.

Exploring Aveyron

Surrounded by the fantasy-like setting of Aveyron, hire a car at Rodez Airport to bring the natural wonders of this region within easy reach.

The tumbling Cascade de Salles-la-Source waterfall is only 20 minutes’ drive north of Rodez via the D901. Water cascades over the sheer drop of the red-tinted cliff edge, down into the emerald waters below.

Said to be two of the most picturesque villages in all of France, the idyllic hamlets of Belcastel and Estaing meanwhile are each around 30 minutes’ drive away from Rodez. Home to medieval castles, cobbled streets and stone humpback bridges, these charming destinations are a joy to explore.

St Foy Abbey Church in Conques is a grand Romanesque masterpiece, with domes, towers and engraved pillars marking it out as something genuinely special. You can explore the colossal site at your own pace, or join a guided tour to learn about its dramatic history as you go. Afterwards, walk around the corner to Au Parvis, a pastel pink medieval house with beautiful views of the Abbey, where you can enjoy a crepe in the sunshine.

From medieval castles to tumbling waterfalls, discover this picturesque slice of France with car hire at Rodez Airport. Book now to start planning your adventure.