Chapel of the Franciscan Sisters

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. From the outside, its silhouette echoes medieval traditions, while inside you’ll find beautiful stained-glass windows and frescoes that reflect the artistic spirit of the interwar years.

The chapel is closely tied to the story of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi, founded in 1862 by Abbé Victorin Jalbert and Marie-Jeanne Vares. First established in Mur-de-Barrez, the sisters moved to Rodez in the 1870s and dedicated themselves to helping the most vulnerable: caring for the sick in their homes, accompanying the dying, educating orphans, and carrying out countless acts of charity. Their devotion was especially recognized during the major epidemics of the late 19th century, earning them the deep respect of the people of Rodez.

The Sainte-Thérèse Chapel is therefore more than just a place of worship—it holds the memory of a religious community that played an essential role in the city’s social fabric, at a time when the sisters were pillars of health care and compassion. Even today, this discreet sanctuary remains a spiritual and historical landmark, blending faith, memory, and solidarity in the heart of Rodez.