La Ferrière Airoux owes its name from the exploitation and the working of iron. The abundant iron ore, in the form of balls or of large blocks of bétin was exploited during millennia. During the middle ages a castle controlled the routes of pilgrims and merchants, the blacksmith’s forges produced preciouse metals whilst shepherds supervised their flocks on the heath and marsh land.

For centuries, only the fertile edges of the dry valley of Rigourdaine produced cereals, broad beans, cabbages and peas.
The small Roman church rebuilt at the end of the 19th century preserved part of the western frontage of the old sanctuary.

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