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Villefranche-sur-Saône, capital of Beaujolais, sub-prefecture of the Rhone is situated in 30 km from Lyon
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"Hope" is the motto of the town, taken from Bourbon-Beaujeu family crest. The town was founded in the 12th century by Humbert III, Squire of Beaujeu.
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To increase the city's prosperity in the privileges and charters of freedom were granted to its inhabitants. Those special civil rights are registered in the charter of 1260. The inhabitants are known as "caladois". There are two possible explainations for this term :
- It could be from the "calade", a slope on which horses were trained to gallop in the Middle Ages : the town has two such slopes.
- According to another legend, the "calades" could be huge stones that make up the "Parvis" of the collegial church "Notre-Dame des Marais".
Its church (XII-XVI centuries), its Renaissance houses and its 17th century hospital illustrate its proud history and at the same time it exhibits great economic vitality taking advantage of its unique geographical location.
Being close to the metropolitan center of Lyon, yet eager to assert its independance, it offers its inhabitants and its visitors a wide range of shops (The "Rue Nationale" is a splendid shopping center), of services, of sportsgrounds and places of culture.
Its many hotels of all categories (in the town center or around the A6 motorway entrance, its quality restaurants and its popular campsite make it a natural starting point for touring the Beaujolais.
Villefranche, so picturesque and welcoming, a place of traditions with its "Conscrits" festivities is waiting your visit. We think, you will appreciate its distinctive lifestyle.
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