It’s almost frustrating to think that if you open a map and put your finger just about anywhere around Lyon, you’ll come across a jewel of our heritage… Far from being under the radar, this village has been one of our favorites for a long time. But since you can have the pleasure of finishing your plate with the best part of the meal, let’s crown our pilgrimage of the most beautiful villages in the area with a real gem from the Rhône-Alpes region.
Crémieu, the crème de la crème in terms of listed monuments
The crème de la crème is Crémieu. Behind this name, which is easy to pronounce, lies a whole string of treasures of our heritage. In all, there are no fewer than 21 listed monuments. In terms of the number of inhabitants, this is almost unheard of. In Paris, for example, there are 1,855 listed historic monuments for every 2,175,000 inhabitants (intra-muros), i.e. 1 monument for every 1,172 Parisians. In Crémieu, that’s 7 times more!
Crémieu and its (many) treasures
It would take us a whole day to write about all the wonders Crémieu has to offer. So instead of bothering you with a list as long as your arm, we invite you to get away and discover the village with your own eyes. From the ramparts to the Château Delphinal and the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, there’s plenty to see and do.
But if there’s one monument that’s truly unique, it’s the Market Hall. It’s one of the most remarkable and largest in France. But why Crémieu? In the 14th century, the town underwent considerable economic expansion, thanks to its strategic location between the Dauphiné and Savoie regions, and in particular to its tannery industry. The small town was a magnet for the region’s biggest fairs and markets. In 1434, a 1 ,200 m² market hall was built under a monumental oak roof structure. Nearly 600 years later, the structure remains in an absolutely remarkable state, proof of the know-how of the time.
In addition to the market hall, which still hosts numerous events such as the market every Wednesday, don’t miss the Couvent Saint-Augustin, which, like Cluny, Saint-Croix-en-Jarez or Baume-les-Messieurs, has shaped the DNA of the commune.
Crémieu, an autumn favorite
Beyond the magnificent monuments that will punctuate your visit, it’s also the dynamic, lively atmosphere that will win you over. The cobbled streets, including Rue des Adobeurs, bear witness to the effervescent years of the Middle Ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local Ursulines beer, made in the former convent of the same name (a beer with character, that is!), as well as gastronomic specialties such as sabodet or the famous chocolate lauze.