Rodez, France:
It is filled with historic buildings in old (Vieux) Rodez, nicely marked starting at the cathedral with plaques for a self-guided walking tour. There is a wonderful open-air market three days a week.
Rodez: Little City Nestled in the Mountains:
Nestled in the Avéyron, the area is certainly postcard-worthy. It is rich in historical attractions, with several chateaus and bastides. Charming stone cottages keep lone watches over vast expanses of land. Sheep farms line the countryside.
Getting Around Rodez:
Alternately, you can take the train from Paris to Rodez.
You can get around Rodez and its immediate area on the Octobus, which operates several lines running a brisk schedule.
A good option is to rent a car, if not for the entire visit, then for a day or two of sidetrips into the Avéyron.
Rodez Shopping:
Its open-air market, held Wednesday and Saturday mornings and Friday afternoons, sprawls from the square in front of the cathedral and trickles onto side streets. The vendors there have wonderful plump olives, spices in all the colors of the rainbow, various produce and plants.