In Grézieu-la-Varenne, architectural and everyday history sit alongside walks and cycling routes. Saint-Roch Church, the Maison du Blanchisseur Museum and several routes offer different ways to shape your stay. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether to focus on architectural history, the development of laundry work or outdoor routes. For planning, factors to consider include the carillon’s Saturday performance, museum visit arrangements and the type of route you want.
Saint-Roch Church and Historic Heritage
Today’s Saint-Roch Church was built in 1872 to plans by Lyon architect François Merlin. Its square tower was restored in 2004; the carillon has 36 bells. It plays every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. As performance schedules may change, check the date before your visit. The carillon can be viewed during the European Heritage Days in September. Check the dates of the annual events in advance.
Another historic landmark is the baptismal font of Grézieu-la-Varenne. It dates from the 10th century and was carved irregularly from a single block of stone; its decoration is Romanesque. The local heritage thus brings together 19th-century architectural history and a much older object.
A Look at Laundry Work
The Maison du Blanchisseur Museum explores the history of laundry work as it developed in numerous communities in the western Lyonnais during the 19th and 20th centuries. The almost one-hectare site includes a fully renovated 19th-century farm and a modern building; both are dedicated to this subject. The stages presented range from washing beside the “plates” to American washing drums and the advent of household washing machines.
The museum offers educational and guided visits. If you plan one of these visits, check the arrangements in advance, as they may change. The focus is not just on a building, but also on the development of a type of work that shaped many communities in the region.
Walks and Cycling Routes
The “Circuit Randoland Grézieu-la-Varenne” is a treasure hunt that combines discovering local heritage with a walk in nature. The route is 6.7 km long, bringing together a visit to the village and outdoor activity.
Different route descriptions are given for the Voie Verte: it is laid out over 4.5 km along the former railway line between Lyon Saint-Just and Vaugneray. The Voie Verte in Grézieu is also described as a 4.10 km out-and-back route. The section in Grézieu starts at the intersection of chemin des Ondines and chemin du Michon. When planning, make sure you know which route description you are using.
Cycling is also included among the routes: the “Circuit VTT 3 – Le tacot” mountain bike loop runs partly along the Voie Verte. Another hiking idea is the walk through the Vallée de l’Yzeron, which follows the routes of two former railway lines in the western Lyonnais. The routes described therefore range from a treasure hunt in the village to trails linked to former railway infrastructure.
Getting to the Maison du Blanchisseur Museum
Bus route C24 from Gorge de Loup and bus route 122 from Vourles and Dommartin serve the Evellier stop at the Maison du Blanchisseur Museum. Check the routes before travelling. If the museum is a focus of your stay, coordinate your bus journey with the visit arrangements: the museum offers guided and educational visits, and the bus routes mentioned serve the stop at the museum.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Georges-De-Reneins, Tupin-Et-Semons, Villié-Morgon, Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, Yzeron, Dième, Orliénas, Civrieux-d'Azergues.
For the regional travel overview: Rhône.
