Imagine seven Place Bellecour squares lined up one after another, and you’ll have roughly the size of the smallest village in the Rhône department and one of the smallest in France. Nestled in the foothills of the Monts du Lyonnais at an altitude of nearly 700 meters, the village of Riverie is actually anything but tiny. With one of the region’s most beautiful panoramic views and a rich heritage, it possesses a charm that even the largest towns would struggle to match.
Riverie, the Petite Cité de Caractère
The name Riverie sets the scene… It’s hard to imagine an industrial zone near an airport bearing such a name. Is it because of its similarity to the word “rêverie” (daydream)? Undoubtedly. In any case, the town of Riverie, perched on its rocky outcrop, is the ideal destination for a day trip from Lyon.
Its architectural heritage is truly remarkable: a castle with a history dating back a thousand years, a beautifully preserved church, and cobblestone streets leading to the Market Square, the Châtel district via the Grande Rue, or the Rue Morte.
Nature, Riverie’s other charming asset
But if we had to pick one color to describe Riverie, it would obviously be green! Here, nature is everywhere. Even in the village streets, you can enjoy several green spaces, including a century-old linden tree! Along the rampart walk, a 360° view of Lyon and its region unfolds before you, with the explosion of colors in spring making the spectacle even more sublime. There’s even a rock-climbing site nearby: what more could you ask for?
But Riverie’s magic isn’t limited to its 42 hectares. Its network of surrounding trails confirms once again that the great outdoors does us good. And as we all know, when it comes to dreaming (or living by the river), there are no limits!
