Lapeyre hiking circuit « Un chemin, une école »
Did you know that the graveyard of Lapeyre houses the tombstone of Medorah, daughter of British poet Lord Byron? That the old bridge has spanned the river Sorgues since the 13th century? This small village nestled in its green environment will no longer hold any no secrets for you!
2 points of interest
Village de Lapeyre - Roquefort Tourisme 
History and heritageVillage of Lapeyre
The name Lapeyre means “the stone” in Occitan, a reference to the rocky outcrop on which the village was built. Once part of the Knights Templar commandery in the 12th century, Lapeyre has preserved its medieval character, with narrow streets and old houses clustered around its tower.
Several historic features can still be seen in the village square, including mullioned windows, a medieval tower, and remains of a former convent. The current church, built in 1844, houses a remarkable Virgin and Child statue carved in Rome in 1860 from a single block of Carrara marble.
Lapeyre’s heritage is also closely linked to its textile industry. Established in the 17th century to process wool from the Causses, the former textile mill—still visible from the new bridge—stands as a reminder of an activity that shaped village life for centuries.
Pont Vieux de Lapeyre - Roquefort Tourisme 
ArchitectureThe Old Bridge of Lapeyre
Dating from the 13th century, the Old Bridge of Lapeyre is a remarkable example of local medieval heritage. According to the archives of the Bishopric of Vabres, it was built at the same time as the bridges of Saint-Affrique and Vabres by the same master builder.
With its elegant single semicircular arch, the bridge combines simplicity with impressive engineering. Its design still allows the river to flow freely, even during floods. The bridge also preserves rare original features, including its pebble paving and protective stone bollards, which once shielded the parapet from passing carts.
Description
- Park your car on the parking lot alongside the road D 7 and head eastward on the road D92. Walk past the plant, leave to your left the water supply canal of the plant and carry straight on. Notice the old washing place to your left. Walk across the bridge over the Sorgues, leave the path that goes to the right and continue straight ahead. After the cross and before the brook, take to the right the ascending path towards the graveyard.
- Reach the graveyard where you will be able to look at the ancient Saint-Caprais church, the grave of Lord Byron’s daughter, Medorah Leigh. The scenic viewpoint over the bend of the valley and the village of Saint-Sauveur with its ancient church is worth admiring. Retrace your steps back to the road D 92 and the village. Before the bridge, turn left at the signboard indicating « Lapeyre ».
- Walk along the left bank of the river. Notice the gardens situated bellow to the right and also the rock shelter in tufa limestone that nestles a Virgin Mary (« Lourdes »). Observe the specific wetland vegetation and in winter, the ice stalactites. Follow the alley lined with box trees which is called a buissière. Take the footbridge that spans over the Bourgatte ravine (temporary brook). Leave the path that leads to St-Affrique to the left.
- Walk across the Pont Vieux over the river Sorgues. Take the road to the right (right bank of the river) towards the village. Notice the oak trees on the right side of the road, and walk into the village.
- Take the street on your right. Immediately after, turn right in the rue du Roussel and make your way down towards the Saint-Sauveur square on the river edge. Watch the remains of the ancient Saint-Sauveur church which was directly built on a rock basement (la peyre in the Occitan language), hence the name of the village. Proceed your way on the square, along the river bank. Walk up towards the village by the street on the left and carry on your stroll. Walk through a small archway, and admire the perspective over the bell tower of the current church. Notice the ancient presbytery, then walk across the square and take the vaulted passage. Leave the Roussel street to the left.
- Head straight on towards the church. Once in front of the religious building, walk past to the right and look at the frontage opposite the church. This facade is the ancient castle with its mullioned windows. Walk past the church and take to the left to reach the car park.
- Departure : Park your car on the parking lot alongside the road D7
- Arrival : Park your car on the parking lot alongside the road D7
- Towns crossed : Versols-et-Lapeyre
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Information desks
Avenue de Lauras, 12250 Roquefort/Soulzon
Situated in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, the cheese village of Roquefort stretches on the hillside over the famous scree of the Combalou Rock, in southern Larzac. The village is at an elevation of 630 m and has 700 inhabitants.
OPENING PERIODS:
The Tourist Office is open all year round:
- In July and August, Monday to Saturday: 9.30 to 18.30, Sunday: 10.00 to 17.00.
- April, May, June, September, October; Monday to Saturday: 9.30 to 12.15 & 13.00 to 17.30, closed on Sunday.
- January, February, November, December; Monday to Friday: 9.30 to 12.15 & 13.00 to 17.00, closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Transport
Getting around by bus or by train: https://lio.laregion.fr/
Carsharing: BlaBlaCar, Rézo Pouce, Mobicoop, Idvroom, LaRoueVerte, Roulez malin
Access and parking
From Saint-Affrique, follow the road towards Cornus. Lapeyre is the first village in the valley
Parking :
More information
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