Eglise Saint Martial

Rieupeyroux (from rivo petroso, or stony river ), is situated in the granite and schist landscape of the Ségala, where vast open plateaux are cut by numerous valleys whose rivers run into the Aveyron or the Viaur. According to legend, the giant Gargantua once roamed here.

The original centre dates from 1030 and was a sauveté (place of refuge), founded by the powerful Benedictine abbey of Saint-Martial de Limoges on the ancient seigniorial lands of the Ségala.

Here youll still find the traditional gridiron layout of a bastide, with several vestiges of the middle ages, like the timber framed -houses, the arcades in the Place du Gitat and the Griffoul fountain.
Walk through the small narrow streets to the fortified church of Saint-Martial, listed as a historic monument. It was rebuilt in the 14th century as part of the town walls and is a rare and one of the most remarkable examples of fortified architecture in southern France.
Guided visits every Wednesday in July and August from 10am until noon and for groups by reservation.