Description:

Geography

Rodez is in the very heart of the Aveyron department, midway between Millau and Conques, at the foot of the Massif Central and within a two hour drive is the Mediterranean.  The city is natural fortress, standing 100 metres above the River Aveyron and is now the Prefecture of the Aveyron department.  The city was for many years divided, literally by a wall, to separate the two warring factions of the Counts and Bishops of Rodez.  It was not until 15^th century that the city became united.  The Counts held the Bourg district while the Bishops had the Cite area.  The Cathedral Notre Dame is located in the Place de la Cite and the other major "square" in the city is called the Place du Bourg.

Tourism

Rodez was the historical capital of Rouerque, a former province of France that became a part of the department of Aveyron.  The city's history stretches back over 2000 years and can be seen in the old town with historic mansions and townhouses dating back to the 14th century.  There is also the Bishops Palace and a 17th century Jesuit College to admire.  The area is well signposted, allowing you to simply wander the streets and alleyways, but a guide is also available from the tourist office.

Worth a visit is the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral with its 87 metre belfry.  Mention of a Cathedral on the site date back to the early 6th century, but the buildings have been demolished and rebuilt many times since then.  The current building was started around the 11th century, but with various stops and starts due to plagues and wars, was not completed in its current form until 1531.  It is still the seat of the Bishopric of Rodez today.  One particular feature is the completely closed western wall, which used to form part of the city's defensive wall.

There are two museums of note in the city:

• The Museum of Denys-Puech in Place Georges-Clemenceau was founded in 1903 by the sculptor of the same name.  The museum contains many works by its founder but also has a permanent collection of work from artists originating in the region and many temporary exhibitions from contemporary artists. 

Opening hours : Tuesday to Friday, 1000 - 1200 and 1400 - 1800.  Saturday and Sunday, 1400 - 1800

Admission : 2.50€

• There is also Museum Fenaille, located at 14 place Eugrne-Raynaldy.  The museum presents the history of Rouergue from prehistory to the sixteenth century and also has the largest collection of menhir statues in France. 

Opening hours : Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1000 - 1200 and  1400 - 1800.  Wednesday and Saturday, 1300 - 1900.  Sunday, 1400 - 1800.  Closed on Mondays
Admission : 3.00€

Also worth a visit is the Haras National Stud farm which is located in the 16th century Carthusian monastery in the city centre.  In six hectares of tranquil grounds, the stud farm is involved in breeding but also the protection of particular breeds.  The centre is located on Rue Eugene Loup and is open to the public Monday to Friday, 1000 - 1200 and 1400 - 1700.

To make the most of the city sights, consider buying a "Pass patrimoine" from the tourist office.  For 5.50€, the pass gives you access to the following;

• A panoramic tour of Rodez or a visit to the National Stud farm
• Entry to the Museum Fenaille
• Entry to the Museum Denys-Puech
• Free hire of an audio guide to the exterior of the Cathedral
• Numerous discounts at local shops

Economy

The city has a diverse economy, including construction, engineering and computing, but agriculture has always been the mainstay of the economy.  In addition, tourism is becoming more important with the city airport connecting to London, Dublin, Paris and Lyon.  This diversity has helped to keep the unemployment rate for Rodez below the national average at 5.2%, making it one of the most dynamic in France.  The city is also home to a large number of higher education institutions.

Wednesday market : Place du Bourg 0800 - 1230 : 60 traders

Friday market : Place de la Sacred Heart 1330  - 1830 : 40 traders

Saturday market : Place de la Cite, Place Emma Calve, Place du Bourg 0700 - 1230 : 150 traders

Transport

Rodez is easily accessed by road, being situated between two north-south motorways the A75 and A20, with the A75 being slightly closer at 48 km and the N88 then brings you directly into the city.  By train, there are regular connections with Toulouse and Paris.  Rodez has its own airport with flights to Stansted and Dublin in addition to daily internal connections with Paris and Lyon.  Our travel pages give more detail.

The Rodez Tourist Office website can give more detail on the places to see mentioned here.

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