Rodelle The Piton Pitorresque

Cradled between the Dourdou Valley and the Causse Comtal, Rodelle was built on a rocky spur topped by an enormous boulder. Classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, this exceptional site is a nugget to be discovered on an excursion between Bozouls and Rodez.

Rodelle Between heaven and earth

Incredibly picturesque, Ruthenela – formerly Little Rodez – was chosen as a strategic point as early as Carolingian times. Wherever you arrive, the natural fortress dominating the landscape will leave you in awe of its diverse panoramas. In its main alleyway, the pretty golden stone houses seem to hang between heaven and earth. They will lead you to an enormous rock against which the castle probably stood. All around it are cavities thought to be troglodyte, and still used today as cellars.

How to find Rodelle from every angle

Tip +

Arriving from Bozouls or Rodez, follow the signs for Bezonnes:

the picturesque village is just around the bend in the forest,
Park on the right at the entrance to the village, follow the main alley up to the rock and walk around it. Admire the charming houses and the 360° view of the surrounding hills carpeted with forest and ancient vineyards,
Get back in the car and drive down to the stream towards Muret-le-Château. Stop at the Chapelle Sainte-Tarcisse below,
then turn right towards Saint-Julien de Rodelle. On the way up, you’ll enjoy a long view of the village. At the top, between the two valleys of the Lot and Dourdou, you can reach Bozouls, Estaing, Villecomtal…

The legend of Sainte-Tarcisse

Below the village, discover the grotto-shrine of Sainte-Tarcisse. Granddaughter of King Clovis, she fled after being promised to a barbarian prince. After receiving a divine message, she took refuge in Rodelle. She lived a pious life here until her death.

Legend has it that Sainte-Tarcisse ate nothing but goat’s milk and a loaf of bread delivered to her by a dog every day. The day after her death, a luminous aura marked the site of her grotto. He is said to have performed miraculous eye cures, as well as healing women in childbirth. Every year, the village continues to honor her with an ancestral pilgrimage.

A glorious past

Rodelle is much more than just an incredible peak. Much larger, its scenery evolves between wooded valleys and small arid causses. Occupied since prehistoric times, dolmens can be seen in the hamlet of Bezonnes. Excavations have even uncovered Gallo-Roman villas. Low walls and dry-stone cazelles are reminders of pastoral farming. Far less humble, the seigniorial residences evoke the past power of the Counts of Rodez. Today’s private homes in the hamlets of Sahnes, Dalmayrac and La Goudalie will surprise you with their sheer size.

Discover this heritage on our hiking trails: le Tour du rocher, le Site de Rodelle, la randonnée des Cazelles… or visit theEspace Archéologique Départemental at Gages-Montrozier.