Yrieix

Yrieix is a small commune located in the Tarn department of the Occitanie region in southern France. Covering an area of 9.3 square kilometres, the village lies amidst gently rolling hills and is part of the arrondissement of Castres. Its geographical coordinates place it roughly 15 kilometres east of the departmental capital, Castres, and about 80 kilometres north of the regional capital, Montpellier. The elevation of Yrieix ranges between 180 and 290 metres above sea level, giving the landscape a mild, temperate climate typical of the Languedoc plateau.

The first recorded mention of Yrieix dates back to the 12th century, when the hamlet was referenced in a charter concerning the local bishopric of Albi. Over the following centuries the settlement grew modestly, with the construction of a Romanesque church in the 13th century that remains one of its most prominent historical landmarks. During the French Revolution, Yrieix became part of the newly formed Tarn department and retained its agrarian character, with vineyards and wheat fields forming the backbone of its local economy. In the early 20th century, the establishment of a roadside dairy factory provided a new source of employment and helped sustain the village through the interwar period.

Today Yrieix is administratively headed by a mayor elected for a six‑year term. The municipality is part of the intercommunal structure "Communauté de communes du Tarn Gâve et Salat," which coordinates regional development initiatives across neighboring communes. Its population, recorded at 312 inhabitants in the most recent census, reflects a mixture of long‑term residents and families attracted by the rural setting and accessibility to larger towns via departmental roads. Public services include a primary school, a local health centre, and community buildings that host seasonal markets and cultural events. The village’s proximity to the Canal de Garonne also offers opportunities for tourism, particularly cycling and cycling heritage tours.