Heyrieux: Sacred Architecture, Walking Trails and Tradition

A trip to Heyrieux can revolve around sacred architecture, outdoor trails or an event date. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide whether you want to focus on historic buildings, an outing or a particular event. Specific places to start include cultural venues, walking routes and the Foire de la Sainte Catherine. Heyrieux is accessible via the A43 and A46 motorways, as well as Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and its TGV station.

Cultural venues and sacred history

The Espace Pasteur is home to the Fabrique Musicale, covering 508 m², and a 180 m² auditorium. Events such as exhibitions and conferences can be held there. The Espace Pasteur stands on the site of a former Benedictine priory, destroyed by fire in the 12th century. Here, contemporary cultural use meets a history stretching far back in time.

Notre Dame d’Heyrieux was built at its current location in 1894. Its bell tower houses two bells: one dates from 1789, is considered the oldest in the Isère département and weighs 459 kg. The second dates from 1817 and weighs 199 kg. Their dates and weights offer a specific point of interest during a visit. A former church in Heyrieux, described as “conventuelle,” was once a pilgrimage destination, particularly on the Feast of the Assumption.

The restored Château du Colombier can be visited on Heritage Days. If this visit is important to your plans, check the date of that year’s event in advance.

The Notre-Dame de la Salette oratory was built above Heyrieux to commemorate the Marian apparition of 19 September 1846 at La Salette in the Isère département, near Corps. Four cylindrical stone columns support a flat roof; other architectural features include three white-painted cast-iron statues on a high stone pedestal. From Notre-Dame de la Salette, there are panoramic views over the Lyon plain and towards the outlying area of Grenay, Satolas, Colombier, the Montagnes de l’Huis and the Jura noir. Every 19 September, the anniversary of the apparition, many faithful continue to climb in procession to Notre-Dame de la Salette to pray there. If you are planning your trip around this occasion, check the dates in advance.

On foot, on horseback or by bicycle

Heyrieux’s walking options include outings on foot, on horseback and by bicycle. They link landscapes with local heritage such as chapels, market halls and fortified houses. The trails are signposted with yellow directional markers in accordance with the PDIPR charter. Check route conditions before setting out. In the wider region around Heyrieux, the Coll’in walking network extends for more than 250 km across ten municipalities; its extent may change as routes are updated.

The park and an event as other reasons to visit

The Parc de la Fraternité is Heyrieux’s public fitness trail. It has play areas for children and is fully enclosed. This is a specific feature of the site to consider when planning a visit with children.

The Foire de la Sainte Catherine in Heyrieux was established in 1544 by a royal patent issued by François 1er. It takes place every year on the Saturday closest to 25 November. Its traditional programme includes a parade of the Catherinettes, wearing hats provided by the municipality and decorated individually, accompanied by the rhythm of a banda. The details can vary from year to year, so check the event date before travelling.

Whether you want to focus on culture, outdoor activities or the fair, first decide which places and dates matter for your stay. You can then look for a hotel in Heyrieux that suits your own requirements.

Discover more destinations: Seyssuel, Saint-Étienne-De-Crossey, Brangues, Pontcharra, Saint-Quentin-Sur-Isère, Saint-Ondras, La Sône, Nantes-en-Ratier.

Go to the main travel overview: Isere.