50 shades of black in Rodez

Rodez is one of the “ Grands Sites Occitanie ”, it is a central point for exploring the Aveyron: The city is located in the heart of the department. Rodez has done everything to make you love art, from all eras! While walking there, you go from the largest collection in Western Europe of menhir statues, sculpted about 5000 years ago, to very contemporary works by the famous Pierre Soulage… The latter is one of the greatest painters on the scene French, he invented " the outrenoir " and his paintings can only be fully appreciated in real life, believe my experience. So forget your screens and go to Rodez to discover art in all its forms!

Stroll between the menhir statues of the Fenaille museum

Be curious and discover the “dark light” at the Soulages museum

The building specially designed to house the Soulages museum is in 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 marvelous setting for hosting part of Pierre Soulages' works produced throughout his life and representing a sample of the research he has been able to carry out for the very particular world of non-figurative art .

The Soulages museum is a very design building

All his work is only tests and constant questioning . Thus, a space is devoted to 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 to virtually visit the Abbey of Conques

He still paints today and continues to innovate even after celebrating his 100th birthday in December 2019! How to make color without color ? It is the work of his life ... Pierre Soulages thus created the " black light " or "the outrenoir "

A work on the material which gives “different” blacks

But do not be skeptical, it is a very accessible art, a wonderful experience to live at all ages. Because the works of Pierre Soulage question, divide and amaze those who will accept to let themselves be carried. How lucky that this artist made an exceptional donation of 500 pieces to the Greater Rodez urban community!

You will also find in the Soulages museum a space dedicated to the exhibition of other artists.

A day in Rodez…

It is necessary to plan 2h or even half a day for connoisseurs, in order to appreciate the Soulages museum . But know that depending on the time of day you will not see the same light effects on the paintings of the painter. I advise you to go there in the morning to have the perfect light to appreciate the works, there are elsewhere less visitors! To consult the timetables , you can go directly to the museum website .

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

Click to see our selection of restaurants in RODEZ

Aveyron meats, a must in Rodez

Take advantage of your stay in Rodez to visit another Fenaille museum, another treasure of the city of Aveyronnaise.

Discover the Fenaille museum

The Fenaille Museum a journey back in time 5000 years back!

The Fenaille museum presents an exceptional collection of statues-menhirs dating back almost 5000 years. 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 a must in Rodez . The museum offers you a journey through the ages from Prehistory to the Renaissance, for families . And thanks to the PASS 3 museums , you have access to the Soulage museum, the Fenaille museum and the Denys-Puech museum for 11 € ( free for children under 18 and students).

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

As for the Denys-Puech museum , it is a small museum dedicated to sculpture. Notice to amateurs!

Notre-Dame de Rodez cathedral, stained glass windows for all tastes

Our Lady of Rodez cathedral

To end the visit of Rodez in style , do not hesitate to enter the magnificent Notre-Dame cathedral . You cannot miss it because its bell tower dominates the city. The town has made the bet to entrust the realization of the stained glass windows to different artists , thus transforming the building into a real place of exhibition , mixing the old and the modern . So take the game to choose your favorite window !

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