Rodez is an ancient city, the road becomes gradually narrower as it approaches Rodez and the remains of the ancient city fortress are still strongly present in the form of ramparts. Its hyper-centre is extended over many streets and pedestrian alleys between the squares of "Place du Bourg", "Place de l'Olmet", "Place de la Cité" and the "Place de la Madeleine", one discovers typical houses in a mostly preserved historical setting. In these squares markets or fairs are held while the "Passage du Mazel" hosts a daily trade of fresh and seasonal produce. Pedestrian streets, very concentrated in the old centre, today are a place of life with many commercial signs. Beyond, is a long straight avenue lined with trees, leading to a central hub, the , to access the boulevards on the periphery of the city centre. Road traffic is carried around the walls located on the boulevards of Estourmel, Belle Isle, Denys Puech and Flaugergues encircling the centre and served by streets parallel to this historic heart.