The 11 things to do in Rodez

Tailed in stone, ochre sandstone and blue lauze, Rodez is a city of contrasts. What are you waiting for to visit Rodez?

In the heart of the Aveyron , as suspended above the valleys of the Rouergue, Rodez draws in the middle of the dry plateaus of the Causses and the wet hills of the Ségala. Visit Rodez and its many cultural, heritage and natural sites will not leave you marble!

Subjugated by the authenticity of the city and the charm of the surrounding nature, you will not want to leave the one that is surnamed "the victorious fortress". Whether it’s a weekend in love or a holiday with friends, Rodez is waiting for you!

1. Museums

Visiting Rodez without entering one of his many museums would be a sacrilege! Among the best known in Rodez, we recommend the following:

• Soulages Museum : entirely dedicated to the designer of the Outre-Noir, this museum highlights the donation of the Soulages couple, as well as some temporary exhibitions of other modern and contemporary artists and movements, which are also guided by technical experimentation and invention;
• Fenaille Museum : considered one of the most beautiful archaeological museums in France, it presents an incredible collection of statues-menhirs. These prehistoric sculptures are the oldest representations of man in great, in Western Europe;
• Denys-Puech Museum : Would you like to visit Rodez without staying too long in a museum? Opt for the Denys-Puech Museum which, in its small enclosure, keeps sculptures of all forms.

2. Art galleries

City of Art, classic and contemporary, Rodez is full of galleries that make the happiness of art lovers. Throughout the year, you can discover permanent exhibitions, as well as new temporary exhibitions highlighting an artistic life that is still eminent.

Among the must-sees to visit Rodez, there is of course the gallery Annotiau, Réplique or Foch. However, if you’re interested in the backdrop of the decor, go for a tour of the artists’ workshops such as the Arts, Roseline Blanc-Bessiere or Place aux Arts.

3. Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rodez

Impressive and remarkable, Notre-Dame Cathedral dominates the city. With her stronghold, she plots visitors who want to visit Rodez. In her bosom, you will discover a magnificent steeple on a 14th century tower, but also a sanctuary, a sculpted organ buffet and a stone fence.

4. Ancient Episcopal Palace

The former Episcopal Palace has been proud to make its way to Rodez since its construction in the 17th century. Part of the rare brick monuments in Rodez, it attracts curious visitors.

In her bosom you discover a magnificent double-flyed staircase (not to mention that of the Château de Fontainebleau ) and a splendid little courtyard.

5. Historic Centre

The historic centre of Rodez, dominated by Notre-Dame Cathedral, reveals all its charm inside the old walls. What better than visiting Rodez by strolling here and there, in small shops, on the Place des Armes, at the terrace of a café observing the splendid private hotels.

Don’t miss the remarkable Armagnac House built in the 16th century or the neo-Roman church of Saint-Amans built in the 18th century.

6. Aquavallon

Visiting Rodez is exhausting, isn’t it? To remedy your fatigue, we have the solution! A relaxing break in an aquatic pole, what do you think? Aquavallon is a new generation aquatic centre.

It consists of three basins, a balneo space (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and jet shower) and an area of cardio-training and soft muscle building. So everyone does what he likes! The children are in the playful pole with inflatable games while the parents gently sink in the sauna.

Consider checking the schedules of each activity!

7. Outdoor activities

Amid vallons, rocky plateaus and other green plains, Aveyron has favoured the conservation of nature. Its topography greatly promotes outdoor activities, offering practitioners the opportunity to observe fabulous natural landscapes from various altitudes.

Regardless of the level and desires of each, there are for all tastes and ages. Among the many outdoor activities, we recommend you to visit Rodez:

• Hiking
• The quad
• The scooter or the bike
• Paragliding or elastic jump
• Canoe-kayak
• The via ferrata

8. Gastronomy

How to visit Rodez without tasting his gastronomy? Traditional, rich and friendly the Aveyronnaise cuisine is shared in a warm atmosphere. Among the regional delights are the aveyronnais stuffed, the oil pump or the rissole.

If you are looking for nice places where to drink a drink or taste typical products, we recommend the Bras coffee, the Clement pastry or the La Gargouille restaurant. Enjoy!

9. Vignobles

Just like the Alsatian Wine Route, Aveyron also has a rich wine heritage and a route to discover it. The Marcillac Wine Route highlights the 200 hectares of vineyards between Conques and Rodez. By borrowing it, you will share with no less than 50 winemakers, the passion of good wine. To consume with moderation!

10. The most beautiful French villages in the area

Magnificent department, Aveyron alone counts no less than 10 villages classified among the most beautiful French villages . Visiting Rodez is pleasant and charming, but to perfect the stay do not forget to discover its surroundings.

At the turn of a path, there are architectural treasures. Authentic and beautiful, picturesque and traditional, the villages with warm colours and windy streets welcome you for a leap in the past! The central blows of the writing are:

• Belcastel and its medieval castle
• Conquests and its abbey church
• Najac and its castle

11. Bozouls Canyon

Extraordinary geological curiosity with impressive dimensions, the canyon of Bozouls dug into the limestones of the Causse Comtal. This huge meander also known as "Bozoul Trou" is home to natural habitats and remarkable fauna and flora.

As amazing as it is magic, this site is visited by using landscaped trails and wooden walkways. From your promontory, you observe sumptuous views of the Dourdou Gorges. A striking show!

How do I go to Rodez?

To get to Rodez, here are the three solutions you need:

By car

It remains the best solution to get there because you are free to travel and have no time constraints. Rodez is connected to the entire motorway network via the A75 (same axis as Albi and Toulouse).

Once the city of Sévérac-le-Château surpasses, take the RN 88 to Rodez. From Toulouse and Montpellier, you will take about 2 hours while from Clermont-Ferrand, your journey will last almost 3 hours.

By train

Synonym of rest and quiet, the train is the ideal solution to get to Rodez. You arrive at Rodez train station in 7h from Paris and 2h20 from Toulouse. In addition, TERs regularly travel between Rodez and Albi in just 1h15.

By plane

Rodez has an airport just 10 km from the city. Daily departures (3 per day per week, 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday) are made from Orly Airport with Amelia. If you choose to fly to Rodez, help you with a comparison of flights like Skyscanner to find the best offer. The platform will tell you the best solution, according to your criteria.

To perform the remaining few kilometers, opt for car rental , taxi or carpooling (no shuttle links the airport and the city).

Where to stay in Rodez?

Choosing your accommodation in Rodez is essential to enjoy your stay in this beautiful city of Aveyron. So where to sleep in Rodez? To help you in preparing your trip, Wanderlix provides you with some leads!

We recommend you stay in the historic centre if you want to visit Rodez and look for animation. However, if you prefer to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, we suggest the district of Saint-Jean. You will have no trouble finding accommodation, whether it is a hotel, a lodging or a lodging Airbnb . However, help a hotel comparison will help you target the right offer.

So, what are you waiting for to visit Rodez?