The destination Rodez is located in south-western France in the department of Aveyron. Aveyron is a land of contrasts described very often as « green and serene » and untouched. It is a surprise that Aveyron up until now was one of the least well known departments in France - even some Parisians found it hard to put Aveyron on the map! The main reason that Aveyron has remained hidden is due to inaccessibility. Up until recently accessing Aveyron in an inexpensive way was by car. The road links have improved dramatically thanks to the Millau Viaduct which opened in December 2005 drawing in the French in floods. However it is the airport of Rodez which must be given credit for attracting the British tourists and property hunters.

Rodez Airport and Ryan Air

Rodez Airport itself has a very privileged location being within easy travelling distance from the sea and the mountains. If your driving it is only 1.5 hours from Toulouse, 2 hours from the Mediterranean and 2.5 hours from the Pyrenees and Spanish border.

The airport opened in 1968 to cater for national business travellers to and from Paris with the former local carrier « Air Rouergue ». The airport encountered strong growth in passenger numbers in the 90s but when Air Liberté went downhill in 2002 passenger numbers dropped. Tom Roberts, now Director of the airport, was called in to rescue the situation. He successfully fought against other destinations to attract the low-cost airline Ryan Air into Rodez. 18 months later Ryan Air announced their arrival. On 1st May 2003 Ryan Air’s first flight took off to London Stansted. Quite something for a local national airport ! This has revived passengers to their highest ever numbers. Since 2003 passsenger numbers have increased by around 20,000 each year. On 27th February 2007 the airport celebrated its 250,000th Ryan Air passenger.

Airport Development

Rodez Airport is currently a mere 1000 m² in size which up until the arrival of Ryan Air could be seen as adequate. However at its peak time the departure lounge starts to burst at its seams with some passengers having to wait outside the security gates until the lounge has cleared. However the developments to extend the airport are under way with 8 million euros allocated to tripling its size. The new Rodez Airport will include two departure lounges separating national and international flights, a VIP lounge, further shops and 600 car parking places. The extension is due to be completed within a year by spring 2008. Will there be any other low-cost airlines into Rodez from other European airports ? Who knows what its future holds. What we do know is that Director Tom Roberts is aiming to increase passenger numbers to 250-300,000 per year in the next five years.

From 18th April Ryan Air have begun the summer schedule of daily flights from London to Rodez. Rodez Airport also has 3 daily flights to Paris and flights to Lyon.

Property Market

The airport, officially known as « Rodez-Marcillac Airport » is located 12km west of Rodez centre or a 10 minute drive close to the wine-producing town of Marcillac. Properties in the Marcillac area are probably the most sought after in the Aveyron. This is due to a number of reasons. First of all the valley of Marcillac or « vallon » as its known in Aveyron is blessed with its very own micro-climate The average temparature is a couple of degress warmer than Rodez. This results in milder winters and even warmer summers, hence the production of the Marcillac wine which enjoys its Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée status. Another reason that many locals are keen on this areas is the commuting distance to Rodez centre. The type of properties that you can find in the vallon reflect Aveyron’s tradition. Red-stone is the hallmark for properties here and there are many corps de ferme (farmhouses with outbuildings) available situated in beautiful tranquil settings with plenty of land. If Rodez airport receives more property buyers then it is very probable that prices will rise here like with many destinations which have had a similar effect. Prices are already on the increase and expect a rise of 25per cent in the next 3 years. If new flights from other European destinations connect to Rodez in the future then there will be a stronger demand for property and a certainly higher increase in price.

10 minutes from Rodez Airport

Here is a sample of properties at different price ranges all a 10 minutes drive from Rodez Airport.

This is an 18th century village house in need of work for 110,000euros. The property has 4 bedrooms, a 20 m² kitchen, 25 m² living room, a 950 m² flat garden, bread oven, an 80 m² cellar for all that Marcillac wine and lovely features.

This 165 000 euros U-shaped farmhouse complex has huge potential for conversion. It is a very large property with the potential for over 600m2 living space. It includes several original features, a private courtyard and over 3500 m² of land. Its two barns can be converted into either two or three levels. The barns traditionally used for animal and fodder storage are often now converted into separate living area or a gites. However you must first obtain plannng permission to convert into habitable spaces.

Here is a property for 215 000 euros which is habitable straight away although one room requires some finishing off. It includes 4 bedrooms, an attached barn with 80 m² per level and a nice flat garden.

This property here is a beautiful large stone house in a peaceful environment in a charming wine-producing village. It is 390 000 euros with 4 bedrooms, an extra floor of 80 m² to be converted, a garage which can also be converted, a 43 m² dining room and 36m2 living room and 3000 m² of land.

According to Ryan Air’s figures 38 out of 189 seats are second home owners. This figure includes friends and family visiting.

Property prices may be higher around the airport compared to other parts of Aveyron however certainly still unbeatable value compared to other regions in France.

Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
www.selectionhabitat.com
info@selectionhabitat.com