Head to Rodez for a weekend or a holiday where you can get away from it all. Welcome to Aveyron, a hidden gem in the South of France where unforgettable experiences await you.
Whether you’re looking for culture, gastronomy, crafts or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. There’s nature all around you, where you can recharge your batteries and have fun at the same time. With family, friends or your romantic partner, you’ll never be bored in Aveyron!
Reason 1: Rendezvous with culture and modern art in Rodez
Rodez is a city of contrasts, where the traditional meets the contemporary. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets on your way to the Soulages Museum, where you’ll discover the world’s largest collection of works by Pierre Soulages, famous for his abstract art and “outre noir”. Next, let yourself be amazed by the majestic Notre-Dame de Rodez cathedral, a jewel of Gothic heritage. Take a break between visits in one of the many shops to pick up some original souvenirs with the “Fabriqué en Aveyron” label. And before you leave, don’t forget to sample the region’s produce at one of the local farmers’ markets or in one of the city’s many restaurants. Or why not rent an electric bike and tour the nearby countryside, where you can combine nature and discovery?
Reason 2: Conques, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France
After visiting the Soulages Museum, you’ll be tempted to see the stained glass windows at Conques Abbey, the work of Pierre Soulages. This village, classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” will immediately transport you into another realm. The exceptional and wonderfully preserved Romanesque heritage, its wealth of treasures and its cultural attractions are sure to amaze you.
Follow the picturesque streets, discover the treasures of the abbey and take part in the cultural events that bring this historic site to life. If you enjoy hiking, follow the Camino de Compostela for stunning views of the village and the surrounding countryside. On the way, you can make a detour to the Salles-la-Source waterfall, an impressive spectacle of nature.
Reason 3: The Millau Viaduct, the world’s tallest bridge
A remarkable feat of architecture and engineering, the highest viaduct in the world is a must-see in the Aveyron region, and is famous the world over. You can admire it from all angles and at close quarters from the Millau Viaduct service area, and marvel at the sheer scale of this gigantic work of art. For a different perspective, head to the troglodyte village of Peyre, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” where you can enjoy a beer or local drink while taking in the view of the viaduct. You can also paddle under the viaduct in a canoe or take a boat trip on the River Tarn. And of course you can’t miss it from Millau, the town that gives this marvel its name.
Reason 4: Millau, the glove and outdoor sports capital
In Millau, you can visit the master glove-makers who make items for French haute couture houses and treat yourself to some fine gloves, just like the world’s top celebrities!
Millau is also a magnet for outdoor sports fanatics. Mountain biking, cycling, canoeing, paragliding, hiking, via ferrata, rock climbing… Just a stone’s throw from the town, thrill seekers will be spoilt for choice in breathtaking natural surroundings! It’s no surprise that Millau hosts the Natural Games extreme sports festival every year!
Reason 5: Local cuisine to stimulate the senses
Gastronomy is a serious business in Aveyron, and you’ll find it everywhere! We are fortunate to have access to local produce at unbeatable prices. From Michelin-starred dining to traditional inns and farmers’ markets, you can savour specialities you won’t find anywhere else. Aligot potatoes and cheese, farçous pancakes, estofinado stockfish, cheese soup, rissoles, fouace brioches and cake baked on the spit are just a few of the many specialities that will delight your taste buds.
Brought to life by the chefs and their teams, each dish is a tribute to local produce. For a truly immersive experience, you can book a table at a buron in Aubrac to taste some traditional aligot in an authentic setting. Alternatively, take a tour of a Roquefort cheese cellar, followed by a tasting of the king of cheeses!
Reason 6: Recharge your batteries in Aubrac’s vast natural landscapes
A short drive from Rodez, the Aubrac plateau opens up its vast, almost Scottish-like expanses to you, perfect for a complete break. The key words here are serenity, peacefulness and clean air. Whether you’re a walker or just a lover of stunning scenery, the Aubrac region is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
For people who have experienced the Aubrac, the word that most often comes to mind is “serenity.”
A paradise for hikers of all levels, it’s also a region steeped in tradition, where you can enjoy an authentic plate of aligot in a buron or take part in a summer village fete. You will also come across the magnificent Aubrac cows on your trails, on their way to pasture or on a farm visit. You can enjoy an authentic, natural break away from the frenetic pace of the city.
A must: learn all about the famous Laguiole knife on a tour of the local foundries.
Reason 7: Local expertise and excellence
Aveyron is a land of artisans, where traditional skills have been handed down from generation to generation. You can find genuine Laguiole knives in the beautiful shops around Rodez or by visiting the workshops in the village of Laguiole, where you can learn all about how they are made and take home a unique creation.
You can also visit the master glovemakers and buy a pair of Millau gloves –often worn by many famous film stars and singers– as an addition to your winter wardrobe.
In addition to these iconic examples of Aveyron expertise, many other craftsmen and designers invite you to discover their exceptional skills. Look out for the “Made in Aveyron” label, a guarantee of authenticity and quality.
Reason 8: Going green
From the Larzac plateau to the Aveyron Gorges and the Lakes of Lévézou and Aubrac, Aveyron boasts a wide variety of landscapes. There’s something different in every corner of the region, all linked to the great outdoors. Discover the rich and varied fauna and flora and the unexpected natural beauty of sites such as the Rougier de Camarès, with its red soil, and the spectacular Canyon de Bozouls gorge, a geological curiosity. Get ready for a change of scenery at every turn!
Reason 9: A wide variety of outdoor activities
If you’re a sports enthusiast, Aveyron is the ideal place to play. For runners and cyclists, there are plenty of itineraries to choose from, although there is no asphalt here, only greenery, either on the trails of the Marcillac valley or on the mountain bike routes through the forests, valleys and limestone plateaux. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, there’s also via ferrata, paragliding and bungee jumping.
Reason 10: Outstanding historical and architectural heritage
The Aveyron region boasts a large number of historical monuments that bear witness to its rich past. Explore Conques Abbey, the château of Najac and the many ancient stone dolmens scattered around the region. Take a journey through history by visiting one of the many châteaux or museums. Aveyron is one of the départements with the highest number of villages listed as “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, but you will certainly be impressed by the Templar sites of Larzac, such as La Couvertoirade, or the fortified Bastides of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
Did you know that the limestone plateaux of Larzac are a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Reason 11: Get into the spirit of the local festivals and traditions
Aveyron takes great pride in its traditions, with countless village festivals, fairs and cultural events throughout the year, giving visitors the opportunity to experience local culture. Enjoy a village fete, taste tripous for breakfast or follow the Aubrac cows on the seasonal cattle drive. Music festivals, from classical to jazz and rock, also mark the rhythm of the region’s cultural life. And if you’re a sports fan, you can’t miss events such as the Eiffage Millau Viaduct Race or the Roc Laissagais. All this in a friendly atmosphere surrounded by nature!
Reason 12: A genuine, warm welcome
You’ll be greeted with a smile wherever you go, from markets to village festivals and shops. Here, a friendly atmosphere is second nature. The people of Aveyron are very proud of their region and are happy to share their secrets and tips to make your stay unforgettable. Let them guide you and enjoy some truly authentic moments, far from the beaten track.
See you soon in Rodez and Aveyron!
