Discover Rieux-De-Pelleport

Hiking and nature activities

The hiking trail known as “Le Tour des Vals” passes through Rieux-De-Pelleport. Since early 2025, it has been part of the departmental network of hiking trails maintained and marked by the Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de Foix-Varilhes. Le Tour de Vals is classified as an easy hiking route, is 7 km long and has 50 m of positive elevation gain. The classification and the two route figures provide different points of reference for planning your hike. Fishing is also one of the local nature activities.

Riverside scenery along the Ariège

The Ariège forms the natural boundary between Rieux-De-Pelleport and Varilhes. The Loubens and Artix streams cross the area of Rieux-De-Pelleport and flow into the Ariège. In the INPN entry dated 12 June 2025, Rieux-De-Pelleport is listed within the ZNIEFF Type 2 area “L'Ariège et ripisylves.” Habitats recorded there include unvegetated gravel banks and Central European ash and alder forests along rivers. The river boundary, tributaries and described habitats provide specific geographical reference points for the natural area.

Church and heritage

The Church of Sainte Marie Madeleine was completely rebuilt in the 19th century; its origins date back to the Middle Ages. The church’s Marian altar is listed in the national heritage inventory. It is made of white marble veined with grey and is flanked by two small columns. Its decoration of two brown marble panels is surrounded by a Gothic frame. The building’s history and the altar’s detailed design offer two different ways to explore the church: its historical period and its furnishings.

Château de Pelleport and local history

The Château de Pelleport is said to have been built in the 16th century; an earlier fortification is mentioned as far back as 1390. The ruins lie west of Rieux-De-Pelleport on a natural rise. Remains of walls made of river pebbles and bricks have survived. The 1390 census of the County of Foix also mentions the place, then under the name “Rius de Pelaporc.” These two references from different contexts bring the town’s long history to life without conflating the earlier fortification and the château as a single building phase.

The “fête du cochon” was part of the village’s historical tradition: pork offal was washed in the stream, and each family prepared sausages, hams, pâtés and other cured meats for the coming year. This practice is part of the town’s history.

Media library and visiting

Since 2007, the intercommunal media library of Rieux-De-Pelleport has been housed in a former classroom made available by the town hall. During opening hours, admission is free and open to everyone. If you are planning a visit, please check the current opening hours.

Discover more destinations: Artigat, Mercenac, Biert, Saint-Lizier, Camon, Villeneuve-Du-Latou, Capoulet-et-Junac, Saint Lary

For the main travel guide, see: Ariège.