Riverie: Medieval Heritage and Culture

Riverie combines medieval history with cultural attractions and outdoor trails. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different timeframes in mind: some events take place every year, while Les Rivériades is held every odd-numbered year. Art, architecture and an interactive treasure hunt are also among the specific attractions that shape a stay in Riverie.

Medieval History and Buildings

The medieval village was the fiefdom of a powerful barony and occupied a fortified position. Riverie has held the “Petite Cité de Caractère” designation since 2017. Individual buildings also tell of different periods in the village’s history: Saint-Paul Church is known for facing west. The former hospice of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem is now known as La Picoraille.

The château acquired the form known today through a reconstruction carried out between 1595 and 1605. The village’s medieval role and the creation of the château’s present form therefore belong to different periods. Those interested in Riverie’s history can consider these as distinct aspects of the village rather than attributing them to a single building phase.

Festivals, Theatre and Changing Art Exhibitions

The municipality presents a Théâtre du Piat performance every year in February or March. The exact date may vary from year to year. Another recurring event is the medieval festival Les Rivériades, held on the last Sunday in June of every odd-numbered year. The festival includes street theatre, historical costumes, craft stalls and other traditional entertainment. Programme details may vary with each edition.

The Patatr’Art Micro Gallery presents changing exhibitions on weekends. The forms represented include painting, photography, sculpture and crafts; the exhibition schedule depends on the current programme. If you would like to plan your trip around a performance, Les Rivériades or a particular exhibition, check the relevant dates and programme details in advance. The annual performance and the festival held in odd-numbered years offer different occasions to visit.

Treasure Hunt, Climbing Park and Trails

“Les Rêveries du Grand Quinson” is an interactive treasure hunt through Riverie’s medieval lanes. Follow Grand Quinson to track down and capture Graal, the great leader of the Gnolus. The activity is free and accessible year-round, every day, 24 hours a day. Check access information again before your visit.

Les Roches climbing park is located in a former gneiss quarry. It has 24 climbing routes with an average height of 10 to 20 metres, as well as a via cordata. Les Roches is free and accessible every day, year-round; parking and public toilets are available nearby. Safety conditions for the climbing facilities may change. Check access and safety conditions before your visit.

Riverie lies on the GR7. Marked trails start here, ranging from short walks to trail routes for more athletic hikers. Check the local trail markers before setting out. With a little luck, you may also spot the rare and protected red kite in Riverie. Sightings depend on conditions and cannot be planned as a definite part of your itinerary.

When looking for a hotel in Riverie, you can plan your travel dates around cultural events or the activities that interest you most. The annual Théâtre du Piat performance, Les Rivériades in June of odd-numbered years, and the changing weekend exhibitions follow different schedules. This lets you choose when to visit according to your interests without confusing the different event schedules.

Discover more destinations: Thurins, Ternand, Chamelet, Grézieu-La-Varenne, Saint-Étienne-La-Varenne, Fleurie, Pont-Trambouze, Chaponnay.

For the regional travel overview: Rhône.