Belleville-Sur-Saône brings together sacred architectural heritage, historic institutions and market days. The Notre-Dame Abbey Church and Hôtel-Dieu are cultural highlights, while markets and the Fête des Conscrits add local traditions. Depending on your travel dates, you can focus your stay more on architecture and history, or plan it around a market or festival.
Notre-Dame Abbey Church: Architectural History and When to Visit
Construction of Notre-Dame Abbey Church began in 1168, and the church was consecrated in 1179. It is predominantly Romanesque; its choir, raised in the Gothic style in the 15th century, represents a later building phase. It also features a rose window dated to 1175. The abbey church was designated a Monument historique in 1862 and received the “Site clunisien” label in 2023.
An important consideration when planning your visit is the temporary closure: the church will be closed throughout 2026 for interior renovation and is open on Sundays only for religious services. If you travel after December 31, 2026, check the visiting arrangements in effect at that time.
Hôtel-Dieu: Historic Rooms and Garden
Opened in 1733, the Hôtel-Dieu preserves three wards, two chapels, a pharmacy laboratory, a council chamber and archives. The rooms give the site a different character from the abbey church: the focus here is on the history of a former healthcare institution.
The Hôtel-Dieu includes the Jardin de Simples, with ten flower beds. The plants there were once grown by the Sisters of Sainte-Marthe and arranged according to their traditional properties. The garden complements the history of the building with a glimpse into the former cultivation of plants; the number of beds and their historical arrangement make it a distinct subject in its own right.
Markets and the Fête des Conscrits
The markets come in two different sizes. The Tuesday market in Belleville lists 40 food vendors and 60 vendors of manufactured goods. The Saturday market has around a dozen vendors selling food and other goods. The number of vendors may change; if a market is important to your plans, check the details before you travel.
Another annual event is the Fête des Conscrits: in Belleville-en-Beaujolais, it is celebrated every year on the last weekend of February. The tradition dates back to the end of the 19th century. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the programme for your intended dates in advance.
Traces of Industrial Use
The Maison de la Saône was a pumping station for the PLM company and has been restored. A river stop was built. Today, the L’Atelier selon toi association offers visual arts classes and writing workshops at the Maison. The site thus brings together a former technical use and present-day cultural activities.
The former Roux factory is also part of Belleville’s industrial heritage. Its features include a courtyard, offices, a workshop, two water boilers, a production steam engine and a chimney. The buildings have been undergoing restoration and enhancement since 2016. The site can therefore be understood above all through its varied components and ongoing restoration.
Voie Verte and Culinary Workshop
The Voie Verte du Beaujolais runs for more than 15 km through the Ardières Valley between Belleville and Beaujeu. It is accessible on foot, by bicycle and on inline skates, and to people with reduced mobility; motorized vehicles are prohibited. Check the route conditions before using it.
In Belleville-en-Beaujolais, the “Oils and Treats” workshop begins with a culinary session based on one or more products such as oils, vinegars or fruit powders. Participants can sample the dishes prepared during the session. Since this is a bookable experience, check availability before you travel.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Quincieux, Marennes, Messimy, Jullié, Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon, Charly, Bully.
Go to the main travel overview: Rhône.
