Craponne: River Landscape, Culture and Aqueduct

Craponne lies about 10 km west of Lyon, at the foot of the Monts du Lyonnais natural area. River landscapes, culture and architectural history offer different points of reference when choosing where to stay. Two rivers form natural municipal boundaries; the local area is also known for a designated natural area, a cultural center with a cinema and several landmarks.

Between the Yzeron, the Ratier and the Monts du Lyonnais

The Yzeron forms Craponne’s natural southern boundary with Brindas and Francheville for 3.6 km. To the north, the Ratier marks the natural boundary with Saint-Genis-les-Ollières and Tassin-la-Demi-Lune for 2.8 km. The rivers situate the municipality to the south and north; the Vallon de l’Yzeron adds a designated natural area to this picture: it is classified as an Espace naturel sensible (sensitive natural area). The boundaries with neighboring municipalities and the protected-area designation thus represent two distinct aspects of Craponne’s landscape.

Culture program and cinema

The Espace culturel Eole offers an accessible program featuring theater, music, circus, dance, object theater and puppetry; individual programs change seasonally. Cin’Eole is an arthouse cinema integrated into the Espace culturel Eole and has been classified as an arthouse cinema since 2021. This gives you two cultural highlights to distinguish in your plans: the seasonally changing multidisciplinary program and Cin’Eole film screenings. If you have a particular performance or film in mind, check the dates and schedule before your visit.

Aqueduct history and religious art

At Les Aqueducs, the Yzeron aqueduct runs through Craponne with a double above-ground siphon. Two surviving aqueduct piers are about 12 m high. They are listed as historic monuments, but have not yet been classified. The aqueduct’s architectural features and the piers’ heritage status are thus distinct aspects.

The Eglise Saint Fortunat adds a religious and artistic dimension to the history of engineering. Cardinal Gerlier consecrated the church on August 28, 1955. On the tympanum, a sculpture by Pierre Roiret depicts Saint Fortunat watching over sick children. If you are interested in religious art, this image offers a specific point of interest alongside the aqueduct’s history.

Market and municipal event

The Marché Alimentaire et Produits Manufacturés de Craponne brings together stalls selling food and manufactured goods, including producers from the Monts du Lyonnais. The market is held at Place Andrée Marie Perrin and on Rue Centrale. Food and manufactured goods give the market two distinct focuses, while producers from the Monts du Lyonnais add a regional connection.

Salon Nature en vie was organized by the municipal administration over several years in spring. The municipal event included exhibitors and activities for children and adults. If you would like to plan your trip around an event date, check the current dates and program details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Corbas, Saint-Forgeux, Odenas, Chessy, Cogny, Saint-Nizier-D'azergues, Bron, Saint-Jean-Des-Vignes.

For the main travel overview: Rhône.