Rodez town
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Rodez, Episcopal Palace - by Mossot (CC BY-SA 3.0)





Description
Rodez was settled by the Rutènes in the 5th century as a Gallic oppidum and experienced a deep enmity between the clergy (Bishops) and the aristocracy (the Counts of Rodez) during its medieval period. The most impressive buildings in town are the 13th-century cathedral with its sculpted 87m-high bell tower and the large 15th-century episcopal Palace. Other cultural and architectural highlights include the Soulages Museum (contemporary art), the baroque church of Saint-Amans (rebuilt in the 18th century), the Fenaille Museum (history & archaeology), the Denys-Puech Museum (fine arts), and various townhouses such as the Hôtel Le Normant d'Ayssènes housing the departmental HQ and the Maison d'Armagnac.
Access & Transport
The town is roughly in the centre of the Aveyron department, 70km northeast of Albi on the N88, 145km from Toulouse and 170km northwest of Montpellier. The town is connected by train to Toulouse (via Albi) and to Brive (via Figeac). There is a small airport just outside town with a few flights to Paris-Orly and a few seasonal flights to London, Dublin and Bruxelles (at the time of this review).
Instructions & Recommendations
The town can be thought of as a central base to explore the Aveyron though the distances can be long (not many straight lines). Neighbouring touristic sights include the village of Conques and the Canyon de Bozouls. Note that the Soulages Museum is closed on Mondays except in July & Aug.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural and cultural heritages
Conclusion
Rodez makes for a pleasant stop and there is perhaps enough to fill a day if including a couple of museums but none of the attractions are top-tier so that we would not describe it as a destination unto itself.
Key positive
Impressive cathedral and several noteworthy buildings
Two interesting museums
Key negative
The historical centre is quite small
Suitability
Visitors with reduced mobility should be able to enjoy most neighbourhoods and attractions in town
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
February 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:2h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo