Tour
2,5 km
1h
17 audios
Text version
You’ve arrived in the heart of Aveyron, in a city that’s been alive for more than two thousand years. From winding medieval streets to the towering Gothic cathedral, from bishops’ palaces to Renaissance mansions, every stone has a story to tell. But Rodez isn’t only about the past—it’s a city full of life today, shaped by contemporary art at the Soulages Museum, by the energy of its bustling markets, and by the authenticity of its local traditions. As you follow along, let yourself be guided through monuments, stories, and the people who built the identity of Rodez. Don’t forget to look up now and then, and let this city surprise you, where centuries of history flow naturally into the rhythm of modern life.
Behind these walls lies more than fifteen centuries of religious history. You’re standing in front of the former Episcopal Palace of Rodez. The diocese was founded in the 5th century by Saint Amans, its first bishop, on the site of the old Gallo-Roman city of the Ruteni. Read more
Before you stands one of the greatest Gothic landmarks in southern France: the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rodez. Built entirely from pink sandstone, it has dominated the city skyline for more than seven centuries. Its fortified silhouette, once tied into the city walls, reminds us that it was as much a place of refuge as it was a place of worship. Read more
You’re now standing on Place de la Cité, right in the heart of old Rodez. Since the Middle Ages, this square beside the cathedral has been a center of religious power. Completely redesigned between 2018 and 2020, it now features broad granite paving, subtle lighting, and built-in benches, turning it into a modern gathering spot in the episcopal quarter. Read more
The Sainte-Catherine Gallery is where centuries of history meet the creativity of today. This building was once part of a vast Dominican convent, founded at the end of the 13th century on the ruins of Rodez’s Roman forum. Of that enormous complex, only the north wing remains, which originally served as the monks’ refectory. Read more
Here you are on Place du Bourg, one of the historic hearts of Rodez. In the Middle Ages, this square belonged to the Counts of Rodez, standing in rivalry with the neighboring Cité, which was under the bishops’ control. This was the beating heart of trade: fairs, markets, and shops brought prosperity to the Bourg, and the fine bourgeois houses still standing today bear witness to that wealth. Read more
You’re now on Place Raynaldy, right in the heart of Rodez’s old town. In front of you stands the Fenaille Museum, housed in the Hôtel de Jouéry, a stunning mansion that blends medieval and Renaissance architecture. Read more
As you walk along the Allée Robert Taussat, it’s the perfect time to talk about gastronomy—because Rodez is a city to be savored just as much as it is to be visited. Here, food is a true source of pride, deeply rooted in the land of Aveyron and its centuries-old traditions. Read more
On your left is the Royal Chapel of Rodez, one of the finest surviving parts of the prestigious Jesuit college. Founded in 1562 by Cardinal Georges d’Armagnac, the school was an instant success: by the following year it already counted 800 students. Read more
Here you are at the war memorial of Rodez, standing at the entrance to the Foirail Garden. Created in 1923 by the Aveyron-born sculptor Denys Puech, this bronze statue of Victory was raised in tribute to the soldiers of Rodez who lost their lives in the First World War. Read more
This is a building you simply can’t miss. The Museum of Fine Arts was founded in 1910 thanks to the determination of its creator, Denys Puech, a sculptor from Rodez who dreamed of giving his hometown a true sanctuary dedicated to the art of Aveyron. Read more
Next to the Royal Chapel stands the Foch Gallery. This 17th-century building was once part of the same complex, though its story took a different turn. For centuries it was integrated into the Jesuit college and later reused by the neighboring Foch High School, until in the 20th century it came close to being demolished. Read more
In the heart of the Foirail Garden, you’ll find the charming bandstand of Rodez. This elegant, octagonal cast-iron structure dates back to 1894. It was designed by architect Besse and cast by Barthe of Rodez, whose signature you can still spot at the base of one of the columns. Read more
Take a moment to look at this large stone sculpture, rising more than two meters high. It’s called L’enlèvement – The Abduction, created in 1937 by sculptor André Deluol. Born in Valence and trained in Paris, Deluol became one of the leading champions of direct carving—a technique where the artist works straight into the stone without relying on a preliminary model. Read more
Welcome to the Foirail Garden, one of the largest green spaces in Rodez. Its name recalls its original purpose: as early as the 17th century, fairs and livestock markets were held here, in the middle of a vast area shaded by elm trees. Read more
As you stroll along Rue Planard, it’s the perfect moment to dive into the story of Rodez. Its nickname, the Old Historic City, is no accident. In Antiquity, this was the heart of the Ruteni, a Gallic people, before the Romans established Segodunum here—a thriving town connected by trade routes, traces of which can still be found. Read more
Before you stands one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Rodez: the Soulages Museum. Opened in 2014, it is entirely dedicated to Pierre Soulages, a native of the city and a towering figure of contemporary art. Read more
At first glance, you might not guess it, but the doorway on your left leads into the chapel of the Franciscan Sisters. Tucked away in the Lucadou district, it is officially dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Built between 1927 and 1933 by architect André Boyer, it was designed in a Neo-Gothic style that is simple yet elegant. Read more
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17 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
About forty kilometers from Rodez, Conques is one of the most beautiful villages in France, famous for its Romanesque abbey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its treasure of medieval goldsmithing and the contemporary stained-glass windows by Pierre Soulages make it a unique place, at the crossroads of history and art.
Located about thirty minutes from Rodez, this magnificently restored Renaissance château is considered one of the finest in the Southwest. Its sculpted façades and reconstructed Renaissance gardens transport visitors back to the 16th century.
Just 20 km from Rodez, the natural site of Bozouls impresses with its horseshoe-shaped cirque carved out by the Dourdou River. The village, built on
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, this medieval stronghold founded in the 13th century is a remarkable example of a bastide. Its large central square surrounded by arcades and its half-timbered houses perfectly illustrate the art of living in bygone days.
About an hour’s drive away, Najac is a village perched on a rocky spur overlooking the gorges of the Aveyron. Its 13th-century castle, built by the Counts of Toulouse, offers a deep dive into medieval history.
North of Rodez, the landscapes of the Aubrac alternate between pastures, traditional burons, and beech forests. It is a paradise for hiking, but also a land of gastronomy, famous for aligot, Aubrac beef, and local cheeses.
About an hour from Rodez, this masterpiece of contemporary architecture is one of the tallest bridges in the world. From the viewing platform, the panorama over the Tarn Valley and the bridge itself is spectacular.
Just fifteen kilometers away, the hillsides of Marcillac produce a lively, fruity red wine made from the mansois grape. The wine route offers the chance to discover cellars, family estates, and charming winegrowing villages.
On your way to Laguiole, you can discover the history of cutlery in Aveyron and admire the ancestral craftsmanship of local artisans. Laguiole is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Aubrac.
West of Rodez, the Lot Valley unfolds with landscapes of vineyards, picturesque villages, and green meanders. Highlights include towns like Estaing, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, and Espalion, renowned for its old medieval bridge.
Further south, the gorges of the Aveyron offer a wild setting, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Canoeing, climbing, hiking, or simple walks along the river all make the most of this spectacular environment.
This medieval village, dominated by its perfectly restored château, is considered one of the jewels of Aveyron. Its cobbled streets, stone houses, and Gothic bridge make it an unmissable stop.
Founded in the 13th century, this royal bastide is known for its vast central square lined with arcades and for its impressive collegiate church. The weekly Thursday morning market is one of the most famous in the region.
Perched on a rocky spur, this village preserves striking medieval remains, including the ruins of towers overlooking the valley. The walk up to the site is a real journey back in time.
This small village, located about ten kilometers from Rodez, is famous for its spectacular waterfall that gushes forth in the very heart of the town. It is a perfect nature outing to combine with a visit to the local museum.
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