Petit Dejeuner in Rodez...

[4COR]

We have landed up (thanks to a split intercooler hose, lackadaisical French mechanics, and various other commitments) needing to travel from Oxford to somewhere in the middle of the Lot for early Friday to retrieve "nos voiture". I've taken advantage by booking the sleeper to Rodez and then a cheap ticket back to Gramat (avoiding getting there at 5am, and 4 hours before opening...)

This leaves us with 1.5hrs to kill in Rodez and no breakfast - I can't find much obvious (bar the ubiquitous boulangerie) - any suggestions?

 

[Gloster]

Even in a small town like Rodez it is likely that there will be an open cafe very near the station, particularly as there are some early departures. Don’t expect much: coffee and fresh croissants would be the main offering. But sitting in or outside French cafe with coffee and croissants while you see what passes: is there anything better in life?

 

[30907]

Go on Googlemaps and search for bars and bakeries - there seem to be plenty, if not right by the station.

 

[4COR]

Indeed, being able to sit outside and have croissant and coffee is perfect - typique Francais! I did look for a while and couldn't find anywhere fitting though - We leave by TER at 8:40am or so, after arriving at 7:06am, and most places seem to open well afterwards, or would be a grab and eat elsewhere with no sit down etc.

Bar Le Rouergue looks like a possible with seating without having a reasonable trek into town where most options lie, but hence the post to see if anyone who had done the sleeper could recommend.

Otherwise, we'll wonder and grab something, but always nice to have a target!

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

There used to be a buffet/bar at the station that opened for the arrival of the sleeper, but it looks as if it hasn't survived COVID. The area around the station isn't the most. salubrious and it is a steep climb into the old city. There is a bus service, but probably not at 0700. The best bars/bistros are around the cathedral.

 

[4COR]

Thanks for that - it might just be we take our chances with the walk up hill (and see what's on the way) and then see how long we land up with before we need to peg it back down for the TER back up the line.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Pack some emergency biscuits! Always a good strategy for overnight travel.

 

[4COR]

Can report positive news! Following the fellow French travellers, Le Terminus (Tabac, Presse) had a nice set of seats outside. Café et croissants for a very reasonable price, and watched the sunrise while the 3 coach + loco sleeper shunted into the sidings for the day. They also serve biere á la pression until closing at 21h for travellers doing the reverse journey.

The buffet at the station is very much shut (and the toilets were "en panne"). Bit of a shame we didn't have time to go to Rodez old town - the view from the TER northbound looked great.

Also, lovely little short frame type box on Voie A to look at as a side interest (while waiting for the loo that was out of order....)

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Glad you found somewhere convivial - useful intell. Yes, Rodez old city is worth a look if you're that way again. Hope l'auto is restored to health.