You want to discover Rodez with the family? Whether they are adventurers, art or history enthusiasts, lovers of outdoor activities and nature…, here are some ideas for a successful stay with your kids!
Visite guidée Le Rodez des Petits ExplorateursVisite guidée Le Rodez des Petits Explorateurs|
DiscoverRodez with the family.
Go back in time at the Fenaille museum.
Budding archaeologists will love it! The Fenaille museum is a real time machine!
Prehistory, Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance… its showcases contain amazing objects and real treasures. Don’t miss: the mysterious standing stones. These stone men and women were made 5,000 years ago! Go quickly in search of the most famous of them: the Lady of Saint-Sernin.
Family plus point
A discovery trail and activity booklets are available for children to make their visit fun. Workshops are also organised by the museum during school holidays.
Etage des statues-menhirsEtage des statues-menhirs|
Maquette de Rodez au musée FenailleMaquette de Rodez au musée Fenaille|
Cour de Jouéry du Musée FenailleCour de Jouéry du Musée Fenaille|
Unravel the secrets of Pierre Soulages.
Outrenoir dans une salle du musée Soulages à RodezOutrenoir dans une salle du musée Soulages à Rodez|
Light with black paint! It’s a kind of magic!
Would you like to know more and unravel all the secrets of Pierre Soulages? Head for the Soulages museum! You can admire the famous Outrenoirs and many other works.
And for more information, an audioguide including a children’s trail is available at the museum reception (price: €3).
Family plus point
The Soulages museum runs children’s workshops during school holidays (“My holiday at the museum” programme). Workshops and family visits are also regularly scheduled on Sundays.
Find the beast.
Animals and fantastic creatures are concealed around the historic centre of Rodez.
If you are anywhere around the cathedral, just look up: the gargoyles are watching you! But watch out if you come here on a rainy day!
A little further, lions, unicorns and a mermaid decorate the Maison d’Armagnac. You can even see a curious character pulling a face!
What other monsters will you find?
Family plus point
To discover Rodez, why not go in search of Elliott? This mysterious work of art is hidden in the city. To find it, a special family quiz is available free of charge at the reception of the tourist office or downloadable here.
Gargouilles de la Maison de Benoit à RodezGargouilles de la Maison de Benoit à Rodez|
Go on an adventure in the heart of nature.
Natural spaces await you for new adventures just a few minutes from the historic centre of Rodez.
Tyroliennes face à la cathédrale de RodezTyroliennes face à la cathédrale de Rodez|
Accrobranche dans les arbres au parc Aventure de CombellesAccrobranche dans les arbres au parc Aventure de Combelles|
Combelles adventure park
For the more adventurous, it’s possible to leap from tree to tree at Combelles adventure park! Which of the nine high ropes courses will you choose?
Family plus point
The Combelles adventure park welcomes children aged 3 years+. A landscaped course “In the footsteps of Tom and Leo”, including games of skill, puzzles and sporting challenges, is open to all the family.
Parc de jeux pour enfants au Domaine de VabreParc de jeux pour enfants au Domaine de Vabre|
Jeux pour enfants à Vabre avec vue sur la cathédraleJeux pour enfants à Vabre avec vue sur la cathédrale|
Concours de pêche à Layoule, sur les berges de l'AveyronConcours de pêche à Layoule, sur les berges de l'Aveyron|
The banks of Layoule and the Domaine de Vabre
Do you prefer to observe nature? Head to Layoule or to the Domaine de Vabre.
Laid out along the banks of the Aveyron, the banks of Layoule are a classified LPO refuge. At Vabre, an arboretum is the ideal place for a family walk.
It will delight budding ornithologists and botanists!
Family plus point
The banks of Layoule and Domaine de Vabre also have outdoor play areas.
At Layoule, a walking tour accessible to all allows you to discover the Aveyron river.
Practical Information
Organise your family visit
-Next to the Fenaille museum (historic centre): Jacobins underground car park (access via Boulevard Denys-Puech).
– Next to the Soulages museum: Foirail underground car park (access by boulevard du 122e Infantry Regiment).
– Next to the cathedral (historic centre): Foch underground car park (access by boulevard Gally).
All these car parks have lifts. Paid parking.
For more information on parking in the city centre: Rodez city hall
– Fenaille Museum: the building has a lift but only the prehistoric/standing stone area and the ancient/Gallo-Roman areas are on one single level. The other rooms of the museum are housed in a former mansion: some of them are accessible by a few steps.
– Soulages Museum: the entire museum is accessible by lift.
– Cathedral: an access ramp allows you to enter the cathedral through the south portal (place Adrien Rozier).
– Banks of Layoule: the footpath along the banks of Layoule is accessible to all.
– In the city centre of Rodez: Foirail public park (playground, public toilets).
– At the foot of the historic centre of Rodez: the banks of Layoule (playground, hiking trail, parking near the municipal campsite or camper van area, public toilets).
– 5 minutes from Rodez city centre: the Domaine de Vabre (playground, arboretum, fitness trail, sports and leisure complex, public toilets).
