Summary of Key Highlights in Villefranche-sur-Saône
Located north of Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saône serves as the southern capital of the Beaujolais wine region. The significance of Beaujolais is deeply embedded in the town’s culture, offering visitors a chance to dine at specialized bistros featuring menus curated around this velvety wine.
You do not need to be an expert to appreciate Beaujolais, as there are numerous caves, vineyards, and wine tour operators ready to enhance your understanding and taste within just a few days. The town centers around Rue Nationale, lined with elegant Renaissance townhouses and charming passageways that lead you to picturesque courtyards. Nearby, enchanting villages are crafted from captivating golden stone, while Lyon, conveniently located just 25 minutes to the south, is always worth a visit.
Let us explore the top attractions in Villefranche-sur-Saône:
1. Beaujolais Wine
Beaujolais is celebrated for its exceptional lightness and delicacy, typically served chilled like white wine.
When traveling from Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saône is the first significant town within the Beaujolais region.
Here, wine bottles are usually priced lower than at the crus-du-Beaujolais villages such as Fleurie and Brouilly, which are only a short scenic drive to the north.
You have various options to discover the famed wine: tastings at local caves with opportunities for purchase, or enjoying it at “Bistrots Beaujolais,” which feature menus that enhance the experience of Beaujolais wines. Alternatively, you may venture into the picturesque countryside to explore the terroir and engage with local vignerons such as Richard Rottiers and Beaujolais veteran Jean-Paul Brun.
2. Marché Couvert de Villefranche
In a region renowned for its culinary dedication, the covered market stands out as one of the principal attractions.
To illustrate its value as a premier shopping destination, weekend mornings see the market bustling with locals who appreciate quality.
Much of the produce is sourced locally, and vendors are eager to offer purchasing and cooking advice.
Even if you are merely sightseeing, it is worth visiting to admire the exquisite sights and aromas of fine meats, cheeses, fruits, and charcuteries.
This Art Deco building was completed in 1933, featuring a gallery on the first floor with a bar that provides an elevated perspective of the stalls below.
3. Musée Paul-Dini
Located centrally within the town, this museum focuses on art and artists from the Rhône-Alpes region.
The collection encompasses paintings from 1863 to contemporary works, reflecting the evolving trends in regional art and its alignment with both national and international styles.
The museum is named after Paul Dini, a businessman and art collector whose contributions facilitated its establishment.
Currently, there are approximately 450 artworks, starting with pieces influenced by the Barbizon school and moving through eras like Fauvism with representatives such as Jean Puy, Symbolism led by Auguste Morisot, to modern movements including Cubism as seen in the works of Albert Gleizes.
4. Rue Nationale
As you stroll along the town’s main shopping thoroughfare, you will notice the historic ochre or stone houses lining the way.
Some of these structures date back to the 1400s, with the most notable examples marked by informative plaques.
Also, there are charming passageways known as “traboules” that invite you away from the street into hidden Renaissance courtyards, such as La Galerie de Bois.
The most appealing section is the block between Rue Paul-Bert and Rue du Faucon.
At number 407, you can admire the Maison de l’Italien, and at number 761, the Maison de la Tourelle along with Villefranche’s former town hall established in the mid-1600s at 816.
5. Collégiale Notre-Dame-des-Marais
Construction of this church began in the 1100s and continued until the 1500s, resulting in a diverse architectural style.
You can observe a blend of Romanesque elements in the tower and nave alongside Gothic ribbed vaults in the transept and nave.
The main façade represents one of the final modifications, showcasing the Flamboyant Gothic style from the 1500s.
Historical events, such as the Wars of Religion in the 16th century and the French Revolution, adversely impacted the church, leading to significant loss of ornamentation.
Nonetheless, the splendid 19th-century organ, built by the esteemed Callinet company with 2,300 pipes, merits attention.
6. Places des Marais
Nestled behind the church is a quaint pedestrian square featuring a café and fountain.
Despite its contemporary architecture, the design harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding historical buildings.
A passageway runs beneath the pastel-colored apartment structures, with various shops situated in charming arcades.
Adjacent to the church at the entrance to the square on Rue Nationale is a plaque commemorating the granting of Villefranche’s charter in 1260. Above it, tile murals depict Pierre II of Bourbon and Anne of Beaujeu, artistically styled like the iconic 15th-century Moulins Triptych.
7. Ancien Hôtel-Dieu
Adjacent to the tourist office lies Villefranche’s historic hospital, which dates back to the 17th century and remained operational until 1982. It is now a designated heritage building, with its lavish decor preserved post-decommissioning.
Visitors can express interest for a guided tour at the tourist office.
While the reception hall and courtyard are delightful, the focal point is the painted chapel, designed in the Italian Baroque style in 1682.
8. Maison du Patrimoine
The heritage building in Villefranche houses an extensive archive of documents and artifacts, including a library containing 300,000 photographs.
This collection is showcased through temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes, highlighting significant historical events as well as the everyday life experienced over the centuries.
For instance, during the summer season of 2016, an exhibition titled Métamorphose d’Une Ville contrasted early 20th-century scenes around the town with present-day representations.
9. Musée Claude Bernard
The esteemed physiologist Claude Bernard was born on the outskirts of Villefranche, in the village of Saint-Julien.
His numerous significant discoveries were primarily realized through vivisection.
Moreover, he played a vital role in establishing experimental norms, such as blind experimentation to enhance objectivity.
As the son of a winemaker, Bernard’s birthplace is aptly represented by a farmhouse, offering insights into his life and achievements.
The first floor features winemaking tools and details about his social life, friendships with Flaubert, and philosophical reflections.
Upstairs, you will dive into his scientific contributions and advancements in areas like alcoholic fermentation and the glycogenic function of the liver.
10. Fête des Conscrits
Each year, on the final weekend of January, Villefranche hosts a unique celebration associated with Beaujolais, known as the Fête des Conscrits.
This event harkens back to the era of conscription, reenacting customs of men who were preparing to leave for military service.
On Friday evening, a torchlight parade commences, followed on Saturday by men presenting cockades and bouquets to the town’s senior citizens.
The highlight occurs on Sunday morning with a grand parade featuring men in tuxedos, carrying bouquets and adorned with top hats trimmed with ribbons.
This ribbon color indicates the age of the conscript: green for 20, yellow for 30, orange for 40, red for 50, blue for 60, violet for 70, plum for 80, and a tricolor if over 80!
11. Oingt
West and south of Villefranche lies a region dubbed the Pays des Pierres Dorées, or “Golden Stone Country.” This name originates from the golden hue imparted by iron oxide to the limestone used in local buildings. Oingt is perhaps the most picturesque of the villages in southern Beaujolais, located less than ten minutes away by car, overlooking the rolling vineyards.
Despite its modest size, there are ample attractions to explore, including museums dedicated to history, barrel-making, cars, wine, and agriculture.
Additionally, you may wish to spend time wandering through the village shops housed in rustic stone structures, all while enjoying the breathtaking countryside vistas.
12. Anse
Located just minutes south of Villefranche, Anse is another charming town characterized by its golden stone architecture.
Featuring stunning old châteaux, Anse was historically significant as a vital pathway between Lyon and Mâcon to the north.
There are five châteaux to explore, one of which, the Château des Tours, is open to the public.
This medieval fortress dates from the 1200s and houses a collection of artifacts unearthed throughout the town.
Glimpses of Gallo-Roman walls endure, complemented by one of the era’s defensive towers still visible.
13. Musée Henri Malartre
Individuals with an appreciation for automobiles should take note of this unique museum located in Rochetaillée-sur-Saône, on the route towards Lyon.
Henri Malartre, who was born in the early 20th century, specialized in the dismantling of cars.
Throughout his career, he encountered many models he deemed too valuable to destroy, which formed the extensive collection of vehicles dating from 1890 to the present day.
The museum also features 50 motorcycles from 1904 to 1964, all showcased in the magnificent Château de Rochetaillée-sur-Saône.
Noteworthy vehicles include the prototype of the 2CV from 1936, Édith Piaf’s Packard, and Charles de Gaulle’s Hispano-Suiza.
14. Lyon
The second largest city in France is situated merely 20 minutes away.
Lyon has been designated a World Heritage Site and is a diverse destination appealing to a wide range of visitors.
Discover ancient history at Fourvière, featuring an astonishing ancient theater as well as the picturesque Basilica of Notre-Dame.
The old town seems to extend endlessly, with each quarter boasting its unique character.
Explore the many traboules, hidden Renaissance passages connecting historical silk-weaving workshops to the Saône riverbanks.
Additionally, one cannot overlook the gastronomy of France’s culinary capital and the home of the renowned chef Paul Bocuse.
15. Cuisine
Many culinary preparations considered quintessentially French either originated or were refined within this region.
This culinary heritage is enriched by its prime location at the crossroads of European trade, acquiring influences and ingredients from various directions.
Presently, five chefs in the Rhône-Alpes hold three Michelin stars each.
However, if you are simply seeking a quality meal at a reasonable price, consider trying coq au vin, pot au feu (slow-cooked beef stew), or andouillettes (pork offal sausages). For a memorable culinary souvenir, sample the bouchon Beaujolais (Beaujolais cork), a delicate sweet crafted with praline and hazelnuts, coated with almond paste, designed to resemble a cork.
