Lying in the heart of the Pays Vert des 7 Vallons (region of the 7 Green Valleys), Coupiac is a small village with lots to discover, including many shops and several associations that organise events throughout the year !
It has a rich history that you can explore through information panels around the village. Apart from the castle, you can visit the church and the Chapel of the Holy Veil; there are three waymarked footpaths that start in the centre of the village and a woodworking museum that is free and open all year.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Information panels erected by the local tourist office will enable you to find out more about the history of the village.
By following them, you will be able to visit the church of Notre Dame, understand the origin of the tympanum of Massiliergues under the church porch and discover the Chapel of the Holy Veil and its legend (formerly this was the chapel used by the seigneurs of the castle, more recently painted with neo-Byzantine frescoes by Estonian artist Nicolas Greschny).
Wandering through the narrow streets and the place du centre, you will see the splendid half-timbering of the Marty house and the former wash house of the Telon as well as the site of the former ramparts and gateways to the once-fortified village.
WAYMARKED FOOTPATH ROUTES
A network of waymarked footpaths starts from the village taking walkers through chestnut woods, past flocks of milk sheep (we are in the heart of the Roquefort cheese-producing area) to visit hamlets, churches, old crosses, rich flora and fauna and great views over the surrounding countryside.
For families – The Massiliergues path (1.5 km – 1 mile)
Starting behind the Hostellerie du Château, a path leads you 800 metres north of the village to the chapel of Notre Dame de Massilliergues which occupies the site of the former parish church which was there until 1762 (this is where a fragment of the Holy Veil was hidden during the Religious Wars).
For experienced walkers
Two waymarked paths allow walkers to see the village of Coupiac from the surrounding hills and to appreciate the beauty of the local countryside: the Vérouls path (10.5 km – 6.5 miles) and the Capelle de la Mole path (10 to 12 km – 6 to 7.5 miles – depending on the choice of route).
Guided walks leaflets for these and other paths are on sale for 1 € each at the tourist office, which is located in the castle reception area.
WOODWORKING MUSEUM
Apart from the castle, Coupiac is best-known for the Bel furniture factory and shop !
Furniture is no longer made here today, but until about 20 years ago the company employed many cabinet-makers and sculptors and the museum was set up to conserve something of the heritage of their work…
The museum opened in 1966 and displays old tools but also shows how cabinet-makers, sculptors and upholsterers worked. The visit is self-guided and entry is free. Several themes are covered: wood and forest, nature, environment, old tools, woodworking crafts…
OPENING HOURS
From Monday to Saturday from 10 h to 12 h and from 14 h to 18h
Sundays and bank holidays from 14 h to 18 h