Crémieu – Medieval Heritage and Voie Verte

Crémieu is a medieval town with preserved ramparts. Its historical landmarks include the market hall, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Château des Dauphins. A Voie Verte adds a route designed for cycling and walking to the town’s history. Crémieu therefore brings together a range of interests: historic buildings and art, as well as an activity along a developed route.

Town History and Medieval Market Hall

The first written records of Crémieu date from the late 12th century. Another important date is 1315, when Dauphin Jean II granted the town a charter of freedoms. This laid the foundations for Crémieu’s sustained growth, which also included the construction of a new town.

A striking landmark is the 15th-century market hall. It measures 61 metres in length and 19.50 metres in width, and is considered one of the largest market halls in France. These dimensions give a concrete impression of its scale; the market hall is also more than just a historic building: Crémieu’s market is held here every Wednesday morning. If you plan to visit the market, check the date before your trip.

Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Château des Dauphins

Construction of the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste began in the 14th century. It houses a collection of Augustinian wall paintings considered unique in France. The oldest organ in the Isère département is also located in the church. It was reinstalled there in 1791. The church thus brings together architectural history, wall paintings and a musical instrument with its own historical date.

Some remains of the medieval Château des Dauphins have been preserved: the south and west walls, the castle chapel and a round tower. The former château stands on Saint-Laurent Hill, opposite the fortifications on Saint-Hippolyte Hill. An access restriction is important for planning your visit: the château is privately owned and inhabited. It can never be visited, including during the European Heritage Days.

Voie Verte for Cycling and Walking

The Voie Verte runs from Crémieu to Arandon-Passins and is designed for cycling and walking. 18 kilometres have been developed; near Arandon-Passins, it connects to the ViaRhôna. The route follows the former railway line of the Chemin de fer de l’Est de Lyon.

The Voie Verte is heavily shaded, making it pleasant even in very hot weather; conditions may vary by season. If you include the route in your travel plans, its length, the activities it is designed for and the connection near Arandon-Passins are useful points of reference. The market, in turn, offers a regular weekly date at the market hall. You can plan your stay around what matters most to you: medieval buildings and works of art, the market, or the cycling and walking route.

Discover more destinations: Bernin, Corps, Frontonas, Saint-Vérand, Saint-Pancrasse, Beauvoir-de-Marc, Colombe, Saint-Geoire-En-Valdaine.

Go to the main travel overview: Isere.