Did you know
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in
Rodez took over 300 years to complete.
Visas
You do not need a visa to go to France, but take your passport.
Getting there
There are daily flights from
London Stansted to
Rodez with Ryanair or you can go via
Paris with Air France. There are daily trains from
Paris and Toulouse.
Flying time from London
Less than two hours.
Getting around
You'll need to hire a car to see the best sights around Rodez.
Costs
Half pint of beer £2; roll of film (24) £2.50; moderate restaurant meal £15; litre of petrol 70p; four-mile taxi ride £4. Costs can vary.
Weather
The weather is warmest in June to September, with average highs ranging from 24-27C/75F-81F. Winters are cold, with temperatures plummeting to 4C/40F.
Time difference
One hour ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from UK
00 33
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Plugs are two pin, so adaptors are needed.
Opening hours
Most museums close on either Monday or Tuesday. In July and August — France's annual holiday period — many shops and businesses will shut down completely. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open till 7pm. Few shops open on Sunday.
Health – before you go
No jabs needed. We have reciprocal medical care agreements with France. Take an EHIC form with you (available from your post office).
Health – when you are there
French pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross and they're everywhere.
Warnings
Pregnant women shouldn't eat the local Roquefort cheese.
Emergency
Police, Tel 17; Ambulance, Tel 15; Fire, Tel 19; British Embassy: 16, Rue d'Anjou, Paris.
Customs
French shops invariably close for a good couple of hours at lunchtime. Do as the locals do and enjoy a lengthy lunch to pass the time.
Pets
Under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme you can now take your dog or cat to France, with all the required paperwork and vaccinations. This takes several months to set up — check with your vet for details.
Tipping
By law, cafe, restaurant and hotel bills include service. Most people leave loose change in a restaurant. In taxis a tip would range from 30-70 cents, but you could go mad and leave one euro (about 62p).
Tourist office
Rodez Tourist Office, Place Foch, 12000 Rodez.Tel 00 33 (0) 5 65 75 76 77