50 Shades of Black in Rodez

Rodez is one of the " Grands Sites Occitanie". It is also a central point for exploring Aveyron. The city is located in the heart of the department. Rodez has done everything to make you love art from all eras! As you walk there, you will pass from the most important collection in Western Europe of statue-menhirs, sculpted around 5000 years ago, to the very contemporary works of the famous Pierre Soulages... The latter is one of the greatest painters of the French scene. He invented "outrenoir" and his paintings can only be fully appreciated in real life, believe me. So, forget your screens and go to Rodez to discover art in all its forms!

Stroll among the menhir statues of the Fenaille Museum

Be curious and discover “black light” at the Soulages Museum

The building specially designed to house the Soulages Museum is itself a remarkable architectural work. Whether you find this work beautiful or not, it will intrigue you... It has already been talked about throughout the region ! It is a wonderful setting to house some of the works of Pierre Soulages produced throughout his life and representing a sample of the research he was able to carry out for the very particular world of non-figurative art.

The Soulages Museum is a very stylish building

All his work is nothing but tests and permanent questioning. Thus, a space is dedicated to the research carried out to create the stained glass windows of the abbey church of Conques, which is a medieval village located 40 km from Rodez.

A touch screen is available for you to virtually visit the Conques abbey church

He passed away in 2002, but was still painting after celebrating his 100th birthday in December 2019! How can you make color without color ? It's his life's work... Pierre Soulages thus created " black light " or " outrenoir ".

Work on the material which gives “different” blacks

But don't be skeptical; it's a very accessible art form, a wonderful experience for all ages. Pierre Soulages works question, divide, and amaze those who are willing to let themselves be carried away. How fortunate that this artist made an exceptional donation of 500 pieces to the Greater Rodez Urban Community!

You will also find at the Soulages Museum a space dedicated to the exhibition of other artists

A day in Rodez…

You should allow 2 hours, or even half a day for connoisseurs, to appreciate the Soulages Museum.

Once your car is parked in the museum car park, you can continue your day on foot. It is very pleasant to stroll through the narrow streets of Rodez, to stop for a hot drink or in a shop. And even better, it is the opportunity to taste the Aveyronnaise meat which is a real treat !

Aveyron meats, a must in Rodez

Take advantage of your visit to Rodez to visit another Fenaille museum, another treasure of the Aveyron city.

Discover the Fenaille Museum

The Fenaille Museum, a journey back in time 5,000 years!

The menhir statues are almost 5,000 years old

The Fenaille Museum presents an exceptional collection of menhir statues almost 5000 years old. These works still remain an enigma , because it was not possible to determine their origin. They were mostly discovered in the south of the department. The Fenaille Museum is considered one of the most beautiful archaeological museums in France. It is an unmissable stop in Rodez.

The museum offers a journey through the ages from Prehistory to the Renaissance, to be enjoyed as a family.

Portrait of Marie Fenaille, the wife of Maurice Fenaille, patron of the museum

Rodez Cathedral: stained glass windows for all tastes

Rodez Cathedral

To end your visit to Rodez in style, don't hesitate to visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. You won't be able to miss it, as its bell tower dominates the city. The town has decided to entrust the creation of the stained glass windows to different artists, thus transforming the building into a true exhibition space, mixing the old and the modern. So, take the plunge and choose your favorite stained glass window !