Rodez–Aveyron Airport

Rodez-Marcillac Airport sits on a plateau roughly ten kilometres north of Rodez, in the commune of Salles-la-Source. The single-terminal airport handles a modest volume of traffic — mostly scheduled flights to Paris-Orly operated by Volotea, plus seasonal charters to Mediterranean destinations and a steady flow of general aviation. Its runway, oriented north-east to south-west, runs 2100 metres, long enough to accommodate regional jets and turboprops. For passengers arriving by road, the airport appears suddenly after a series of curves through wooded hills; the terminal building is a low, modern structure of glass and concrete set beside the runway. Coffee and pastries wait inside, and from the departure lounge you can watch aircraft park on the tarmac just metres away.

Getting There

The airport lies off the D840, about a 15-minute drive from central Rodez. If you are driving from Rodez, take the N88 north toward Paris, then exit at La Mouline and follow signs for Marcillac and the airport. The route passes through farmland and patches of woodland; the final approach is well signposted. Taxis are available from Rodez station and the town centre, and the journey costs roughly €25–30 one way (confirm the fare beforehand). There is no direct bus service from Rodez to the airport. However, some accommodation providers in the area offer shuttles for guests — check with your hotel. Bicycle racks are available near the terminal entrance for those arriving on two wheels, though given the hilly terrain, this is a practical option only for the determined. Car rental desks operate inside the terminal, with vehicles from major agencies such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar.

Inside the Terminal

Passengers entering the terminal find a single large room that functions as both check-in hall and waiting area. The ceiling is high, with skylights that let in natural light. Check-in desks are to the left upon entry; beyond them, a security checkpoint leads to the departure lounge. Security is quick — rarely more than ten minutes — because traffic is light. The departure lounge contains about 60 seats, a small café-bar selling sandwiches, salads, pastries, and hot and cold drinks, and a newsstand with magazines and regional products such as bottles of Marcillac wine. There are power outlets near the café for charging devices. Wi-Fi is free and works reliably throughout the terminal. Toilets are located near the café and include a wheelchair-accessible facility and a changing table. The airport is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with ramps and automatic doors. Baggage storage is available for a fee at the information desk (inquire upon arrival). The terminal is LGBTQ+ friendly and has been designated a transgender safe space. For valet parking, drive to the front of the terminal and hand your keys to the attendant.

Rodez-Marcillac Airport and Salles-la-Source

Salles-la-Source is more than just the location of the airport; it is the reason many passengers visit. The village takes its name from the source of the Sorgues river, which emerges from a limestone cave in a dramatic cascade. The Cascade de Salles-la-Source is the main attraction: water falls 22 metres into a turquoise pool surrounded by cliffs and greenery. A short walking path leads from the village centre to an observation platform near the base of the falls. The cave itself is open to visitors in summer, with guided tours that explain the geological history of the area and the formation of the gour (a type of limestone basin). Above the cave, the ruins of the Château des Commandeurs, a medieval fortress, overlook the valley. The castle was built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar and later used by the Knights Hospitaller. Its walls still stand, and you can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the Sorgues Valley. The village itself is small — fewer than 600 residents — but it has a bakery, a couple of restaurants, and a weekly market on Saturday mornings where local produce such as Roquefort cheese, Aveyron honey, and Marcillac wine is sold. Marcillac wine is a red made from the Fer Servadou grape, with a distinctive peppery flavour; the vineyards are cultivated on the slopes just north of the airport. The surrounding area, the Causse Comtal, is a limestone plateau crisscrossed with hiking trails and dotted with dry-stone huts called “cazelles”. The landscapes are classically Occitan: rolling fields of wheat and sunflowers, stone villages, and quiet roads perfect for cycling. Many visitors use the airport as a base for exploring the gorges of the Aveyron, the medieval city of Conques, or the Grands Causses regional natural park, all within an hour's drive. The airport itself, with its direct link to Paris, provides a practical connection to this rural corner of France that otherwise requires a long drive from Toulouse or Lyon.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily according to flight schedules, typically from 06:00 to 22:00. It is closed on some public holidays and when no flights are scheduled — check the official website for exact hours. Busiest times are Monday and Tuesday at 5 pm (arrival banks from Paris), and Wednesday at 8 am (departures to Paris). On Thursday, the busiest time is also 5 pm. Plan to arrive 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 2 hours for international. Parking is available: a free lot for short stays (up to 2 hours) and a paid long-stay car park (€4 per day, payable by credit card at the machine). Valet parking costs €10 per day. Contact the airport at +33 5 65 42 20 30. Website: https://www.aeroport-rodez.fr/. One concrete piece of advice: if you are renting a car, book with Avis or Europcar online in advance — the airport desks have limited stock, and walk-up availability is unreliable in summer.