Let’s once again immerse ourselves in the charm of the great outdoors by venturing just a stone’s throw from Lyon to rediscover a little gem of our heritage: the Pierres Dorées region. And if we were to imagine this region as a string of pearls, Châtillon would occupy a place of honor.
Châtillon, the small medieval town just a stone’s throw from Lyon
Châtillon-le-Roi, Châtillon-sur-Oise, Châtillon-sur-Seine, Châtillon-en-Michaille… there are no fewer than 30 municipalities in France with the same name! It is therefore not by its name that our beloved town of Châtillon (-d’Azergues) stands out, but rather by its heritage and rich history. Just like Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne ( yet another one!), the town is characterized by a rich past and a heritage that has endured through the centuries.
Châtillon is one of those villages with a “castle in the sky.” Polignac, Montpeyroux, Balazuc, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois…all these towns were built on high ground for obvious strategic reasons, but today this allows us to enjoy the most beautiful views of the surrounding area. Our ancestors certainly had an eye for it!
The village consists of a town built on this promontory, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. From up there, the fortress dominates the landscape, and its imposing structure is impressive. It is, in fact, the finest example of fortifications in the Rhône region. Like the chapel (12th century), the fortress is classified as a historic monument. Narrow cobblestone streets and medieval facades with flower-filled balconies add to the charm of this village at the gates of Lyon.
A little hiker’s paradise
Already part of the Pays des Pierres Dorées, this region of Beaujolais is a true treasure waiting to be discovered. When the weather is nice, these landscapes are every bit as beautiful as those of Tuscany. From Châtillon, a plethora of hikes are possible.
The most iconic route is the one that takes you from Châtillon to Chessy. As you walk through vineyards and woodlands, you’ll pass the iconicGlay quarries, a UNESCO-listed geosite. Allow about 5.5 hours to complete the entire loop, which totals 18 km. You can find all the information about the hike directly on the Châtillon town hall website. For those less adventurous, you can wander around the town from Châtillon and feel like you’re right in the heart of nature!
