Rodez: diversity, an asset for economic balance

The agglomeration of Grand Rodez, capital of Rouergue and Aveyron, is located to the north of the Toulouse - Montpellier axis, two large urban centers, and to the south of the Massif Central.

This atypical position as well as the diversity of its economy perhaps explains why Rodez is resisting the crisis very well. In particular unemployment with one of the lowest rates in France, with the exception of that of young people which, on the other hand, is high. Rodez maintains a balance between the agricultural sector, in particular livestock breeding, the food industry and the presence of a few solid companies that were born and developed in the region. The spirit also perhaps makes the difference, with a sense of solidarity and the value of a job well done.

At the heart of a territory that is still preserved and sometimes wild, Rodez is one of the five tourist entities of the Rhuténois Country which also includes:

- The Causse Comtal to the North-East,

- The Rougier de Marcillac and the Ségala conquered to the North,

- Ségala or country of a hundred valleys in the South-West,

- Lévezou to the south-east.

Visit Rodez, a major site in Midi-Pyrénées

The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rodez: Gothic style, its construction, in pink sandstone, spread over three centuries from 1277 to the beginning of the 16th century. The whole, based on the traditional plan of the Gothic cathedrals of the North of France, remains nevertheless very homogeneous and harmonious. Very beautiful illumination of the facades at nightfall.

Rodez museums: one is dedicated to discovering the work of the sculptor Denys Puech. Stop at the Hôtel Jouéry which houses the Fenaille museum which houses an exceptional collection of menhir statues. Visit Rodez: the Armagnac and Annonciation houses, the Delauro, Adhémar and Bonald hotels are among the beautiful Renaissance-style residences and private mansions in the centre of Rodez, some with richly sculpted facades. Also enjoy the setting of the Haras national de Rodez, housed in a former charterhouse.

Contemporary art: Pierre Soulages in Rodez

Pierre Soulages: born in Rodez, is one of the most famous painters of the 20th century in the world. His works are part of the most prestigious collections of the greatest contemporary art museums in the world. The City of Rodez, to which the artist donated more than 500 major works, has undertaken work to create the Pierre Soulages Museum. This unique place, dedicated to an artist during his lifetime, is due to open at the beginning of summer 2014. In addition to his collections, the artist, born in 1919, wanted it to host temporary exhibitions in an effort to open up to contemporary art.

In Aveyron around Rodez and Aubrac Many villages are home to historical sites in the heart of unspoiled nature: the medieval village of Brousse-le-Château and its fortress. The famous Conques Abbey on the Way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle where Romanesque art now interacts with the contemporary stained glass windows of Pierre Soulages. Estaing and its castle on the banks of the Lot. The fortified village of La Couvertoirad on the Larzac plateau. Peyre near the Millau Viaduct...

Aubrac: in May, experience the traditional festival that marks the transhumance, the departure of herds of cows with black-rimmed eyes to the high pastures. At an average altitude of 1300 meters, its landscapes of mountains and moors formed by volcanic eruptions are punctuated by impressive blocks of stone, menhirs and dolmens. It is also the land of Laguiole knives and tomme and Aligot. Walkers and hikers will find preserved flora and numerous hiking trails. An exceptional territory for nature lovers to explore on foot, on horseback and by mountain bike.

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