Francheleins offers travelers interested in architectural history several distinct points of interest. The stone Chapelle d'Amareins dates from the 11th century, while the first structure of Château de Tavernost dates from 1285. The Saint Martin church was built in the second half of the 19th century, replacing a Romanesque building. The chapel, fortified house and neoclassical church thus represent different periods and purposes.
Chapel and church: two traces of sacred history
The Chapelle d'Amareins is a stone chapel dating from the 11th century, making it the oldest sacred landmark mentioned here. It has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1969. Its age and listing mark different aspects of its history: the 11th century dates the building, while 1969 marks the start of its listing. For your plans, it is also useful to know that the chapel is freely accessible every day throughout the year. This gives you a clear point of reference for a visit; as practical details may change, check access in advance.
The Saint Martin church complements the early chapel with a much later church building. It was built in the second half of the 19th century, replacing a Romanesque building that had become too small for the parish of Amareins, Cesseins and Francheleins. Saint Martin features neoclassical architecture. This means the church can be understood not only in terms of its style: the parish's needs also explain the replacement of the Romanesque predecessor with a new building. The three place names mentioned show that the building's history is connected to a parish extending beyond the church as a single building. The date and reason for construction answer two different questions: when Saint Martin was built and why the older building had to be replaced.
Château de Tavernost and historical connections to the area
Château de Tavernost tells a different story of construction. Its first structure dates from 1285; it remained a fortified house until the 15th century. The two dates serve different purposes: 1285 marks the beginning of the structure, while the period up to the 15th century describes how long it retained its historic form. The château is located in the territory of the former commune of Cesseins, which is now part of Francheleins. The history of Château de Tavernost is thus connected to Cesseins' historical ties to the area.
To choose a cultural focus for your visit, consider which question interests you: the early date of a chapel that is accessible year-round, the connection between a new church building and the parish's need for more space, or the history of a fortified house and its former commune affiliation? Yogurts are also offered at Les Brebis de Julien. If you would like to include this product in your travel plans, check availability in advance, as it may change.
Discover more destinations: Lalleyriat, Treffort-Cuisiat, Aranc, Massieux, Neuville-Sur-Ain, Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône, Chézery-Forens, Thoiry
Return to the regional travel guide: Ain.
