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 Rodez is full of traditional historical interest. The name of its inhabitants, the“Ruthénois" is already an important clue to the visitor concerning the origins of the town. Their ancestors, the Rutenes ” were good-looking, fair-haired Gaulish people who settled in this typically Gaulish oppidum.
While Christianity was spreading rapidly, thanks to Saint Amans’ evangelical work, Rodez suffered under the barbarians, who overran the area following the fall of the Roman Empire. There was a succession of rulers. First of all there were the Visigoths, based in Toulouse, then the Francs, followed by the Moors, who invaded the city in 725 and destroyed the ancient Church. Later, it was conquered by the English during the Hundred Years’ War.
The persistent rivalry between the local counts, who ruled the Bourg, and the bishops, who rules the ancient Cité, left its mark on Rodez’ history. Tall fortifications separated the two areas. The rivalry acted as a break on Rodez’ economic development.
However,
there are still historical alleyways in the
town, and numerous Gothic masterpieces of Gothic
art from the XIIth to XVIth century. Above all,
there is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame with its
magnificent bell-tower and statue of the Virgin
Mary standing 87 m. high, dominating the old
part of the Cité.
In
July, there is a medieval market with artisans,
actors, jugglers and musicians in traditional
costume. There is also the Estivada folklore
festival of Occitania, where there is
a cultural revival in the streets and halls
in Rodez and there are number of free concerts
and shows given. |
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One
of the greatest challenges to the established British order
came from Rodez, and its impact is still being felt 200 years
later. The bell-tower of Rodez Cathedral was the meeting point
of two scientists, Delambre and Méchain who left Dunkirk
and Barcelona to measure one ten-millionth of a portion of
a quarter of the meridian. This great invention, made during
the French Revolution, was named metre.
Where
to stay
Hotels
Camping
Gites and B&B's
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