Discover Montluel: History, Market and Countryside
Accommodation in Montluel
Montluel combines medieval traces in its townscape with insights into local history and routes through the landscapes of the Dombes. The town is traditionally known as the gateway to the Dombes; at the same time, Montluel lies entirely within this landscape, characterised by ponds and forests. There are several ways to plan your trip: historic buildings and collections in town, a visit to the market on Friday, or a tour through the countryside.
Medieval traces and town history
The Église Notre-Dame-des-Marais was built mainly in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is listed as a historic monument, with the exception of the bell tower and west façade. The Tour Carrée is another reminder of Montluel’s medieval fortifications: it is the only surviving remnant of the 12th-century structures, which were demolished under Louis XVI. Today, the tower houses a permanent exhibition of antique cameras and film equipment.
Another perspective on history can be found at the town hospice. The Apothicairerie de Montluel was established there in 1765 and remained in operation until 1942. It preserves carved wooden panelling from a former Jesuit pharmacy in Lyon, as well as a painted canvas ceiling. The collection also includes 18th-century faience and a polychrome stone PietĂ from the beginning of the 16th century. This PietĂ was invoked during plague epidemics.
The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Locale focuses on life in Montluel, as well as farming and winegrowing in the early 20th century. Alongside the medieval buildings and the older apothecary, it also offers a glimpse into a later period. The museum’s themes give local history a tangible connection to everyday life and work.
Weekly market, lanes and the banks of the Sereine
The weekly market takes place every Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Place des Tilleuls. Stalls include fishmongers, fruit and vegetable sellers, cheesemongers, as well as vendors of clothing, hardware and fabrics. As market times may change, check the current schedule before your visit.
You can explore Montluel’s medieval traces on a stroll through its winding streets. The flower-adorned banks along the Sereine offer a different highlight. A visit to Montluel includes both the medieval lanes and the flower-adorned banks along the Sereine.
Two different tours
Le Trésor de Montluel is a free, fun treasure hunt along a route through the town. It introduces the main sights through their stories and anecdotes and is suitable for all ages from 4 upwards. The route takes about an hour and is approximately 2 km long. This activity combines local history with a walk whose duration and distance are specified.
The Circuit pédestre de la Côtière has a different focus: it leads through the Cottey Valley, through forests and across the plateau between Pizay and Montluel. The circular route is freely accessible year-round. While the Trésor focuses on places in Montluel and their stories, the Circuit follows a route shaped by the valley, forest and plateau. The two activities therefore differ mainly in their setting and focus.
When planning your stay, Montluel offers historic buildings, insights into local collections, a weekly market and various ways to discover the town and countryside. Whether you are particularly interested in medieval traces, the history of farming and winegrowing, or one of the tours, these different highlights can help you plan your time around your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Thoiry, Buellas, Hotonnes, Treffort-Cuisiat, Curciat-Dongalon, Mantenay-Montlin, Le Grand-Abergement, Champfromier.
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