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 19th-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.