Craponne lies about 10 km west of Lyon, at the foot of the Monts du Lyonnais natural area. Its river landscape, aqueduct history and diverse cultural offerings give visitors several distinct ways to explore the town during a stay. You can get to know the municipality through its natural north–south layout as well as its buildings, art and connections to regional markets.

River Landscape and Location

The Yzeron forms Craponne’s natural southern boundary with Brindas and Francheville for a length of 3.6 km. To the north, the Ratier marks the natural boundary with Saint-Genis-les-Ollières and Tassin-la-Demi-Lune for 2.8 km. The two rivers provide a clear north–south geographic axis: the Yzeron points to the southern neighboring municipalities, and the Ratier to those in the north. Their extents also differ: the southern stretch along the Yzeron is longer than the northern stretch along the Ratier. In addition, the Vallon de l’Yzeron is designated an Espace naturel sensible (sensitive natural area). Both the river boundaries and a formally designated natural area are therefore part of Craponne’s landscape.

Aqueduct and Religious Art

At Les Aqueducs, the Yzeron Aqueduct passes through Craponne with a double above-ground siphon. Two surviving piers are about 12 m high and are listed as historic monuments, but have not yet been classified. Their approximate height gives an idea of the structure’s scale; listing and classification are two separate aspects of monument status.

The Eglise Saint Fortunat offers a different focal point. Cardinal Gerlier consecrated the church on 28 August 1955. A sculpture by Pierre Roiret on the church’s tympanum depicts Saint Fortunat watching over sick children. While the aqueduct and surviving piers are at the center of Les Aqueducs, the church features a specific religious image.

Culture on Stage and at the Cinema

The Espace culturel Eole offers a programme of theatre, music, circus, dance, object theatre and puppetry. Individual programmes change seasonally; if you want a performance to be a highlight of your stay, check the schedule for your travel dates. Cin’Eole is an art-house cinema integrated into the Espace culturel Eole and has been classified as an art-house cinema since 2021. Film schedules also change. Different formats therefore sit side by side at this cultural venue: a wide-ranging programme of stage and other arts, alongside art-house films.

Market and Regional Products

The Marché Alimentaire et Produits Manufacturés de Craponne brings together food and manufactured-goods stalls, including producers from the Monts du Lyonnais. The market takes place at Place Andrée Marie Perrin and on Rue Centrale. For travelers interested in regional products, the appeal lies in this mix: the market complements the area’s cultural and architectural history with an everyday look at food, manufactured goods and producers from the Monts du Lyonnais.

Discover more destinations: Châtillon, Corcelles-En-Beaujolais, Pont-Trambouze, Anse, Chaponost, Pierre-Bénite, La Tour-De-Salvagny, Les Halles.

For the regional travel overview: Rhône.