Rieupeyroux Vintage Vehicle Exchange and Exhibition

The Rieupeyroux Vintage Vehicle Exchange and Exhibition: Mechanical Passion in Ségala

Every last weekend of April, the Place du Foirail in Rieupeyroux transforms into a vast open-air museum dedicated to vintage vehicles. Organized by the association Rétro Passion Ségala, chaired by Emile Mader, this event has brought together enthusiasts of fine mechanics from Aveyron, Tarn, Lot, and the entire southwest of France since 2021. Classic automobiles, vintage agricultural tractors, old motorcycles, and mopeds fill this large square for two days of exhibition, exchange, and conviviality.

Rieupeyroux, A Millennial Sanctuary and Capital of Haut-Ségala

Rieupeyroux, the canton seat of Haut-Ségala, is a town steeped in history located on the RD 911 connecting Villefranche-de-Rouergue to Rodez. Its origins date back to the Romanesque period, when a sanctuary developed around a church and a Benedictine monastery founded by the abbey of Saint-Martial de Limoges. The Saint-Martial church, built in the 11th century and fortified during the Hundred Years' War, has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1923. The old town preserves remarkable civil heritage: the arcades of the Place du Gitat, the half-timbered houses, and the Griffoul fountain bear witness to southern medieval architecture. Labeled Station Verte and a member of the association of Bastides de l'Aveyron, Rieupeyroux offers an authentic and green setting, in the heart of a region renowned for its veal from Aveyron and Ségala, a Label Rouge and Protected Geographical Indication specialty.

An Exhibition of Exceptional Vehicles on Two, Three, and Four Wheels

The Rieupeyroux exhibition presents a complete panorama of rolling mechanical heritage:

• Classic Automobiles: pre-war cars, 1950s-1970s sedans, sports cars, vintage utility vehicles
• Vintage Agricultural Tractors: Massey Ferguson, Renault, Société Française Vierzon, McCormick, and other emblematic brands of Ségala agriculture
• Old Motorcycles and Mopeds: two-wheelers of all eras, from the first motorcycles to the Peugeot and Motobécane mopeds that marked rural France
• Military Vehicles: jeeps, half-tracks, and transport vehicles used by the French and Allied armies

The owners, often passionate restorers, take the time to tell the story of their machines, explain the restoration work, and share their passion with visitors.

The Exchange Market: A Paradise for Parts Seekers

Throughout the weekend, a large exchange market offers restorers and collectors a wide selection of items:

• Spare Parts: engines, carburetors, gearboxes, body parts, lights, trim
• Period Accessories: mirrors, radiator caps, gauges, steering wheels, grille badges
• Technical Documentation: automotive technical magazines, service manuals, parts catalogs, posters, and period advertisements
• Vehicles for Sale: classic cars, motorcycles, and tractors, sometimes needing restoration, sometimes ready to drive

This exchange market is a particularly appreciated meeting point for restorers looking for the missing part to complete the restoration of a vintage vehicle.

Activities and Conviviality: A Weekend for the Whole Family

Beyond the exhibition and the market, the Rieupeyroux weekend offers numerous activities that make it a family event:

• Vintage Vehicle Rides: owners take visitors on the roads of Ségala for a ride in a vintage car or tractor
• Recreation of an Old Garage: an old-fashioned mechanics workshop, with period tools and equipment
• Model Making Demonstrations: motorized models and remote-controlled miniature truck driving
• Activities for Children: fun activities related to the automotive world
• On-site Catering: refreshments and meals throughout the weekend, with an animated meal on Saturday evening by reservation

The warm and family atmosphere that prevails on the Place du Foirail makes this gathering a moment of intergenerational sharing, where older people recount their driving memories and young people discover vehicles they have never seen on the roads.

April in Ségala: Country Roads in Spring

The last weekend of April is an ideal time to explore the roads of Aveyron Ségala. The slate plateaus turn green, the deep valleys of the Aveyron and Viaur rivers offer spectacular panoramas, and the winding roads connecting the villages of Haut-Ségala are a dream playground for vintage vehicles. From the Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Modulance chapel, visitors can discover a breathtaking view of Haut-Ségala and its green valleys. Heritage enthusiasts can extend their visit by discovering the Saint-Martial church and the medieval streets of Rieupeyroux, or venture to the nearby castles of Belcastel and Bournazel.