Discover Rieux-en-Val through its distinctive structures and layered local history: Pont-Vieux, the Church of Saint-Christophe and the Pierre Droite menhir offer different cultural points of interest. Other attractions include the Notre-Dame-du-Carla Chapel, a Christmas nativity scene and a farmers’ market selling food.
Pont-Vieux: Bridge Architecture and Film History
Pont-Vieux, also known as Pont Romain, is a humpback bridge with three arches of different sizes. The names Pont-Vieux and Pont Romain refer to the same bridge. It lies on the former route from Carcassonne to Lagrasse and was listed as a historic monument by decree on 17 February 1926. Its design, former route and historic monument listing offer different ways to explore the history of the structure.
The bridge also has a connection to film history: in 1961, Pont Vieux served as the setting for the drowning scene in André Hunebelle’s film “Le Miracle des loups.” The bridge therefore combines specific architectural features with a particular role in a film. Visitors interested in structures can distinguish between these aspects: the three uneven arches describe its form, the former route provides historical context, and the film scene represents a later use as a filming location.
Church of Saint-Christophe and Notre-Dame-du-Carla Chapel
The Church of Saint-Christophe is thought to date from the 11th to 12th century. Its layout comprises three bays and three chapels. The dating is approximate, while the two numerical details provide a specific description of the church’s structure. Bays refer to sections of its spatial layout, while the chapels are additional parts of the building.
Every year at Christmas, a remarkable nativity scene is set up in the church for the village residents. Notre-Dame-du-Carla Chapel was built in 1875. A report from 2025 put the pilgrimage tradition at Notre-Dame-du-Carla at 80 years at that time. The church and chapel thus offer different religious points of interest: the church’s estimated date and architectural features, the nativity scene set up each year, and the tradition mentioned in a report with a specific timeframe.
Pierre Droite and Other Points of Interest
Pierre Droite is a menhir on a small rocky rise. It is 2 metres wide at the base, 2.20 metres high and 0.40 metres thick. Its markedly smaller thickness stands out in relation to its width and height—the measurements make the monument’s shape more tangible than the term menhir alone. An iron cross was placed on its top, Christianising the menhir.
The area is also linked to a route: the Sentier Sculpturel passes through Rieux-en-Val and continues to Mayronnes. Rieux-en-Val is also one of the municipalities included in the Type 2 ZNIEFF “Corbières centrales.” These provide different points of reference: the route indicates a path, while the ZNIEFF places the municipality within a specific inventory.
Farmers’ Market and Travel Interests
The Rieux-en-Val farmers’ market offers vegetables, bread and pastries, seasonal fruit, goat’s and sheep’s cheese, olives and oil, as well as wine and beer. It adds a culinary perspective to the village’s architecture and religious heritage. The range extends from fresh produce and baked goods to cheese, olive products and drinks.
You can choose a specific focus when deciding on your destination: at Pont-Vieux, the bridge’s form, its former route and its film history take centre stage; at Pierre Droite, it is the shape and dimensions of the menhir. Visitors more interested in religious buildings will find points of interest at Saint-Christophe and Notre-Dame-du-Carla. This allows you to choose what to explore in Rieux-en-Val based on the themes that will shape your trip, then look for suitable accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Laurent-De-La-Cabrerisse, Tuchan, Le Bousquet, Laroque-De-Fa, Campagne-Sur-Aude, Limousis, Aigues-Vives, Ladern-sur-Lauquet.
Go to the main travel overview: Aude.
