Pontcharra-sur-Turdine: Discover its history and walking trail

Pontcharra-sur-Turdine offers several starting points for planning a trip: a history dating back to Gallo-Roman times, Walking Trail 11 up to the heights, and a Friday market. The town is also served by Pontcharra–Saint-Forgeux railway station. You can therefore plan your stay around historical themes, an outing, or a regular market day.

Local history from antiquity to the church

The Gallo-Roman town of Mediolanum stood in what is now the hamlet of Miollan in the 1st century. The town's history records a Templar commandery in Pontcharra-sur-Turdine in the 13th century. In the 14th century, the Antonines cared for people suffering from ergotism there.

The new church was put into service even though it was not yet finished. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony, a hermit from Upper Egypt. Its dedication and the state of construction at the time are two separate historical details about the church.

These historical references span a long period: Mediolanum dates to the 1st century, the commandery to the 13th, and the care provided by the Antonines to the 14th century. Mediolanum was located in what is now the hamlet of Miollan, while the commandery and the Antonines are associated with Pontcharra-sur-Turdine. This makes it possible to distinguish the town's ancient and medieval connections.

Walking trail and weekly market

Walking Trail 11, “Circuit poussettes,” reaches the heights of Pontcharra-sur-Turdine after a short, steep climb. Access is free, and from there you can enjoy a broad view of the Monts du Lyonnais. The climb describes the route, while the view is part of the scenery at the destination. Check the route conditions before setting out; free access and the route itself are separate considerations.

A small market featuring local producers is held every Friday at Place Jean XXIII. Products include cheese, fruit and vegetables, charcuterie, and fine pastries; individual vendors may vary. The weekly market was established on April 19, 1996. The date provides historical context, while Friday is what matters when planning your visit. Check the date and location again before traveling, especially if you are planning to make the market a fixed part of your itinerary.

Getting there and planning your trip

Pontcharra–Saint-Forgeux railway station serves Pontcharra-sur-Turdine. If you are traveling by train, check connections and travel times for your travel date. Train travel depends on the connection available on your travel date; the market's weekly Friday schedule provides a separate point of reference for planning your stay.

For the walking trail, the short, steep climb and the route conditions to check in advance are the practical considerations. The historical references offer another focus for your stay. You can first decide what brings you to the area and then choose your dates accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Écully, Chaponnay, Soucieu-en-Jarrest, Cercié, Saint-Priest, Vernaison, Chessy, L'arbresle

For the broader travel guide: Rhône.