Royal Chapel of Rodez

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. Among them were figures who later became famous, from the entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre to Marshal Foch, and even the painter Pierre Soulages.

Work on the chapel began in 1581 and was completed in 1649. Its Latin-cross plan, single nave, and dome reflect the style of the great Jesuit churches modeled on the Gesù in Rome. From outside, you’ll notice the classical façade framed by two square bell towers, decorated with statues of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier. Inside, the Baroque spirit shines through in the ornate vaults, the Corinthian pilasters, and above all the magnificent gilded altarpiece that dominates the sanctuary.

Over the centuries, the building has had many lives: royal college, central school, and later Foch High School. Saved from demolition in the 1970s, it was recently restored, even revealing two frescoes that had long been hidden. Today, the chapel hosts concerts and cultural events, while continuing to stand as a lasting witness to Rodez’s educational and spiritual tradition. Here, history is etched in stone, balancing Jesuit heritage with the energy of modern life.