Culture is Alive and Well in Aveyron

It is de bon ton for newcomers to Rodez, especially those arriving from big cities, to relentlessly criticize the lack of cultural offerings in the area. "There's nothing to do," they complain. "There's just no culture."

What do I say to these people? "YOU ARE WRONG!" Or as a friend of mine put it: "If there isn't much to do, I don't know why I can't find the time to do even a quarter of it."

Sure, if you want to listen to jazz every night or go to the opera all year, Rodez may be a disappointment. But if you're open-minded about what you see and flexible with dates, you will find plenty to do in and around Rodez. Many pop and rock stars make their way to Aveyron. In the fall, my daughters and I saw Corneille at ACA in Onet-le Château, and last year we were bowled over by Cali at Rodez's "Amphithéâtre." We were even able to catch Renaud a few years back.

Saturday we went to see a fun yet emotional show by Pierre Perret (lower left above) celebrating the 50th anniversary of his singing career. And we can't wait to see Le Quatuor (lower right above) for the second time in two years.

In the meantime, the cinema selection is apparently better than in Albi -- at least that's what I've heard, comments are welcome! -- and as you can see from the poster-covered door above left, at any given time, there are numerous and varied events to go to. We miss out on so much...

One final word: going out in Rodez is also easy: no parking problems, no traffic jams, no unspoken dress codes. Just come as you are, and have a great time!