In 1875, Pierre Brochu, first inhabitant of the Valley, settled in Sainte-Paule. Five years later, a large number of colonists arrived from Rimouski and Matane. The population grew rapidly and in 1895, Sainte-Marie-de-Sayabec was founded.
Sayabec is also the town of origin of David Pelletier, famous athlete which won a gold medal with Jamie Salé in figure skating at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, USA.
Sayabec (pronounce "saybeck"), situated north of Matapedia Lake, is a town offering many services. Right in the center of the village, there are beautiful old houses.
