Anyone interested in the history of navigation on the Rhône will find a tangible way to explore it in the Canton of Serrières: the Musée des Mariniers et de la batellerie du Rhône is dedicated to inland navigation in the past and is housed in a historic building. Renaissance houses, a weekly market, and trails with views of the river and valley round out the cultural offerings. You can therefore shape your stay around local history, seasonal events, or the landscape.
The History of Navigation at the Musée des Mariniers
The collections of the Musée des Mariniers et de la batellerie du Rhône illustrate everyday life on the Rhône in the 18th and 19th centuries. They include objects from the Rhône’s former inland navigation trade, including evidence from the era when boats were towed by horses. Since September 17, 2003, the museum has held the French designation “Musée de France.” Its subject matter makes it a point of interest for anyone interested in life and work on the river.
The museum is housed in the former church of Saint-Sornin. The original building probably dates from the 10th century. Shipwrights built the roof structure in the 14th century, shaping it like the bottom of a boat. The former Chapel of Saint-Sornin is also a protected historic monument: the nave was protected by decree on August 2, 1932, and the rest of the chapel by decree on December 22, 1937. The Tour des Pénitents recalls another chapter of religious architecture. It is a remnant of the former Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Pitié, built in 1619 and 1663.
Renaissance Houses and Local History
Renaissance houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries line Place du Tromph. Together with the Tour des Pénitents and the building of Saint-Sornin, they offer a glimpse into different chapters of local history. The timeline spans the original building of Saint-Sornin, which probably dates from the 10th century, the 14th-century roof structure, and the later chapel buildings. Serrières was also once a village of Rhône boatmen; the history of navigation is therefore not only a museum subject but also part of the town’s historical identity.
The Musée de l'étrange explores a different cultural subject: the unknown and the mysteries of nature and humanity. Visitors interested in these topics will find a contrast with the Musée des Mariniers’ collection, which focuses on the concrete subjects of river navigation and architectural history. The main difference between the two is whether you would rather focus on historical everyday life or questions surrounding the unknown.
The Market and Joutes: Events with Their Own Rhythm
A weekly market takes place every Friday morning at Quai Nord, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Market hours may change, so check the details before your visit. The Bassin de Joutes is the venue for jousting tournaments organized by the Club de Serrières. During the season, demonstrations and training sessions take place there on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. These seasonal times may also change; check the event calendar if you are planning your visit around them.
The market and the Joutes offer different ways to plan your time: the market takes place every Friday morning, while the demonstrations and training sessions follow a seasonal Wednesday schedule. This makes it easy to decide whether you need to plan around a specific event or would rather focus your visit on the cultural and landscape attractions available year-round.
Views of the Rhône, Hiking Trail, and Local Wines
The La Côte de Serrières hiking trail offers views of the Rhône, the Serrières suspension bridge, and the statue of the Madonna. The Panorama de la Madone looks out over the Rhône Valley and the Île de la Platière nature reserve. Both viewpoints showcase the river landscape, but each offers the specific perspectives described here. Serrières lies on the banks of the Rhône, near the Via Fluvia, Via Rhôna, and Pilat.
AOC wines are also part of the local character: Serrières produces wines bearing the Saint-Joseph and Condrieu appellations. These named wines provide another regional point of interest alongside the history of navigation and architectural heritage.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-De-Muzols, Lamastre, Peaugres, Charnas, Saint-Sauveur-De-Montagut, Chazeaux, Valvignères, Lavilledieu.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
