ROUERGUE
Rouergue is a former province to the South of Auvergne and North of Languedoc, which includes today’s département of Aveyron. Famous for its natural beauty, Rouergue is also home to one of the world’s highest road bridges: the Millau Viaduct which spans the river Tarn near Millau.
The historic capital of Rouergue is RODEZ, an ancient city of 25,000 inhabitants, worth a visit with its cathedral Notre-Dame and old district.
The county of Rouergue was once a dependency of the counts of Toulouse. It became part of the Kindgdom of France in 1271 before being surrendered to England in 1360 (Treaty of Brétigny) for 8 years. During the French Revolution, Rouergue became part of the new Aveyron département.
The majestic canyon of Gorges du Tarn is partly located in the Aveyron département, between the Causse Méjean and the Causse de Sauveterre.
The great quantity of sheep raised in Rouergue contributes to the reputation of its cheese: Roquefort. The king of Blue Cheese is produced in the small village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, West of Millau, on the border of the Grandes Causses.
Our ‘French Moments’ pages on Rouergue:
Roquefort - the king of Blue cheese from the Aveyron département.
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Useful websites (in English):
Tourist information site of Aveyron:
Tourist information site of Rodez:
Tourist information site of Millau: