Around Rodez

Culture and sightseeing 

Other Great Tourist Sites in Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean

• Conques : one of France's important centres of Romanesque art, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
  www.tourisme-conques.fr

• Villefranche de Rouergue / Najac : two magnificent 13th century 'bastide' towns in the upper Aveyron Gorge.
  www.tourisme-villefranche-najac.com

• Albi : a city with a marvellous quality of life, famous for its Musée Toulouse-Lautrec and Cathedral of Sainte Cécile.
  www.albi-tourisme.fr

Towns and villages

• The villages around Rodez : these have grown considerably without losing any of their character (old traditional houses, châteaux, Gothic churches, etc.). Set off on a little treasure hunt, seeking out Onet-le-Château, Olemps, Le Monastère and Sainte Radegonde. 

• The villages of the Vallon de Marcillac: bluish stone roof tiles, hazel-coloured tufa limestone and red sandstone are what give Marcillac-Vallon, Salles-la-Source, Clairvaux and Valady their timeless charm.
• Belcastel: a delightfully unspoilt village on the banks of the River Aveyron, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful in France.

• Espalion : a staging post on St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela and a bustling little town with a fascinating heritage. 

Vineyards

• The Marcillac AOC vineyard : this vineyard may be small (180 hectares) but it has a big reputation for quality red wines. Signposted circuit around the wine estates. Tel. +33 (0)5 65 71 13 18  - www.tourisme-conques.fr

Châteaux

• Château du Colombier, Mondalazac : 14th century château, medieval garden, live animal collection, events and more…Welcome to the property of the counts of La Panouse.

• Château de Calmont d’Olt, Espalion : the ruins of this château dominating Espalion and the Lot Valley (the view is memorable) are the setting for amazing demonstrations of warfare in the Middle Ages.
• Château de Bournazel : one of the three most important Renaissance buildings in southern France. 

• Château de Séverac-le-Château : these magnificent ruins tower over the paved streets of the medieval town of Séverac-le-Château. 

Outdoor activities

Walking

• 'Sur le Causse Comtal' : a 12km walk (moderate difficulty) exploring the distinctive landscapes and typical heritage of the Causse Comtal (traditional farmhouses, cazelle dry-stone huts, dolmens, etc.). Route description (in French) in the walking guide L'Aveyron à pied (ref. D012 – pub. FFRP).

Water sports and swimming

• The Lacs du Lévézou (Lac de Pareloup, Lac de Pont de Salars and Lac de Villefranche de Panat) : these three vast lakes set among the hills and meadows south of Rodez offer sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and canoeing, as well as swimming of course. www.tourisme-aveyron.com 

Golf

• Golf du Grand Rodez : a beautiful undulating and rather technical golf course with a fabulous view of Rodez and the cathedral. Tel. +33 (0)5 65 78 38 00 - www.golf-passion.org

Site of outstanding natural beauty

• The Trou de Bozouls : an impressive horseshoe canyon eroded by the River Dourdou, lined with character houses and the Romanesque Church of Sainte Fauste teetering on the edge. Worth seeing in Bozouls: Terra Memoria, a visitor attraction exploring the landscapes of Aveyron. www.terramemoria.fr

Fairs and festivals

• Rencontres à la Campagne, Rieupeyroux : a relaxed, friendly and atypical film festival. In September.

• Conques, la Lumière du Roman : classical music and intense intercultural dialogue in the surroundings of Conques abbey church. In July/August.