car hire rodez
Pick up your hire car at Rodez airport and you're ready to explore the idyllic French countryside at your leisure Book car hire rodez airport now
the 60-second guide to rodez
in its own head
"We're a small town with a big history. We've got charming buildings and streets and some of France's best countryside on our doorstep."
but more realistically
Rodez sure does pack a lot of history - it's reputed to have been around since the 5th century BC. But charming as it is, it is small, and it's the gorgeous surrounding countryside that'll take up much of any visit.
the vibe
With a population of less than 25,000, Rodez is not for thrill seekers. But if you want to soak up the atmosphere of rural France then you are in the right place.
the natives
Expect a warm and hospitable, if disinterested, welcome from the Ruthenois. They'll go about their daily business and you'll go about yours, and it will all be very cordial.
the weather
Despite not being situated too near the coast, Rodez still benefits from the pleasant climate that typifies southern France. Unless you go in midwinter you should experience nothing but beautiful sunshine.
the local speciality
With the world-famous Roquefort caves nearby, it comes as little surprise to hear that cheese is the local speciality. Just add a little bread and wine, sit back, and indulge.
the celebrity
From international rugby player and coach to government - France's current secretary of state for sport Bernard Laporte started life in Rodez before embarking on his rather unusual career path.
did you know?
Visitors arriving in July may be lucky enough to experience the medieval market, with its artisans, actors, jugglers and musicians, all wearing traditional costume.
they say
"Roquefort should be eaten on one's knees." - Gourmet writer Grimod de la Reyniere (1758-1838)
5 to see in town...
- 1. Notre Dame de Rodez cathedral
- 2. Fenaille Museum
- 3. Museum Denys Puech
- 4. National Stud Farm
- 5. Public Garden
Though not as famous as its Parisian namesake, the cathedral in Rodez is a formidable building. Typically gothic in style, it's hard not to be impressed by the huge 87-metre bell tower.
where to park?
Metered street parking is available just in front of the cathedral.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Notre Dame de Rodez cathedral
- 2. Fenaille Museum
- 3. Museum Denys Puech
- 4. National Stud Farm
- 5. Public Garden
The Fenaille Museum is a jewel in the Rodez crown. Its collection of all things ancient from the south Aveyron region is located in two beautiful old houses just off the main square.
where to park?
Park at Place de l'Hotel de Ville parking des Jacobins et les Remparts.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Notre Dame de Rodez cathedral
- 2. Fenaille Museum
- 3. Museum Denys Puech
- 4. National Stud Farm
- 5. Public Garden
Founded in 1903 by the renowned sculptor Denys Puech, this gallery features the works of Orientalist painter Maurice Bompard and the engraver Eugene Viala, as well as that of its founder.
where to park?
The nearest car park is the Park at Place de l'Hotel de Ville parking des Jacobins et les Remparts.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Notre Dame de Rodez cathedral
- 2. Fenaille Museum
- 3. Museum Denys Puech
- 4. National Stud Farm
- 5. Public Garden
In existence throughout France, the national stud farms manage the horse industry in the country. The one in Rodez has a responsibility for breeding, and provides an interesting afternoon trip.
where to park?
There's a car park available on site.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Notre Dame de Rodez cathedral
- 2. Fenaille Museum
- 3. Museum Denys Puech
- 4. National Stud Farm
- 5. Public Garden
If you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet, the public gardens, located just down from the cathedral, offer a suitable haven away from the slightly more hectic town centre.
where to park?
There is an on-site parking area.
and 4 to drive to...
A unique experience for the turophile, journeying down into the caves between January and June reveals thousands of cheeses quietly maturing to perfection. It smells nice too.
how to get there?
Head south on the Flavin road for a few miles, now turn left onto the D911 and pass Pont-de-Salars. Do another left onto the D993 and keep on this for 50 miles. A left onto the D31 and right onto the D999 will get you there.
and 4 to drive to...
Don't expect to be the only tourists taking in the amazing scenery of the Gorges du Tarn. Its rugged, yet beautiful, offering is popular for a very good reason; it is simply breathtaking.
how to get there?
The D29 east takes you about 40 miles and then turns into the D911. The gorge is just past the E11 junction.
and 4 to drive to...
Walking across the 4,000-foot-high plateau is an experience not to be missed. There are numerous inns and campsites dotted around, so why not make a weekend of it?
how to get there?
The north-east D988 turns into the D920a. Follow this past Espallion and do a left onto the D987. Do a right at Nasbinals and follow the signs for Rieufort.
and 4 to drive to...
It is easy to see why Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's family opted for the Chateau du Bosc as their holiday home. Now serving as a family museum, it is a must for culture-minded tourists.
how to get there?
A 25-mile drive up the northbound D901. Pass Cougousse and head for Nauviale.
ask a rodez cabbie!
Local taxi driver Jean Pierre Ancillon on car hire in Rodez: "You'll absolutely need a hire car if you're going to stay in Rodez. We have so many beautiful villages and so much countryside to tour around. My personal favourites are the magnificent Gorges du Tan and the Aubrac plateau. Rodez is a small town so driving in the centre isn't difficult, but you should know that in July, many roads get pedestrianised to make room for the medieval markets, concerts and cultural shows. But why not park up and join in the fun?"