The municipality of Lapeyrère is officially launching an online fundraising campaign to finance the restoration of its Saint-Aubin church, formerly Notre-Dame.
The church of Saint-Aubin, a heritage gem that has stood the test of time.
A true heritage landmark of the village, this remarkable building has its roots in local history dating back to the 14th century. Mentioned as early as 1373 , the church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Thus, it has been a part of the lives of Lapeyrère’s inhabitants through the generations: baptisms, weddings, religious ceremonies, and key moments in community life.
Even today, it remains a powerful symbol of identity and a central element of the area’s rural heritage.
“The church gives a soul to the village. Believers or not, the vast majority of residents have expressed their desire to save it”
– Carole Delor, mayor of Lapeyrère.
A large-scale restoration project
However, the building’s condition is worrying. Rising damp, water infiltration, cracks, leaky stained-glass windows, a weakened roof, damaged bells, and a sacristy threatening to collapse : the problems are numerous and require swift intervention to prevent irreversible damage. The church, recognizable by its square bell tower and the adjoining former town hall , is an integral part of the village’s landscape and collective memory.
Led by the Lapeyrère town hall , with the support of the residents, the restoration project includes significant structural work:
- Wall waterproofing,
- Resumption of masonry work,
- Application of lime plaster,
- Partial roof repairs,
- Complete restoration of the bell tower roof,
- Restoration of the bell tower and bells,
- Restoration of the altars and stained glass windows.
The cost of the project
The total cost of the project is €301,358 . Thanks to support from the DETR (Local Development and Rural Planning Grant) , the Department , the Region , and the Volvestre Community of Municipalities , €241,358 has already been funded .
However, €60,000 still needs to be raised through the generosity of residents, associations, and businesses .
Beyond its religious function, the building will continue to welcome visitors, ceremonies and, eventually, cultural events , thus contributing to the vitality of the village.
To thank the donors, symbolic rewards are offered : public thanks, invitation to the inauguration, site visits, and, for the largest donations, use of the function room .
That is why the collection is open now until December 20, 2026. The municipality of Lapeyrère is calling today on all people attached to rural heritage, small communities and the transmission of local history to take part in this beautiful collective adventure.
