The pointed-arch choir of the Église de St-Sorlin dates from the 16th century; the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes offers views of the Alps and Pilat. Saint-Sorlin therefore offers specific points of interest for a trip focused on culture and landscape. When searching for a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether church history, the sanctuary, a hike or a village festival matters most to you. These themes also span different periods: from a church that existed before the 10th century to a sanctuary dating from the 1950s.

Église de St-Sorlin: dedication and building history

The Église de St-Sorlin is dedicated to Saint Saturnin, a 3rd-century bishop of Toulouse and martyr. An earlier church, also dedicated to him, already existed in Saint-Sorlin before the 10th century. The oldest part of the Église is its pointed-arch choir, dating from the 16th century. This provides several points of reference for understanding its history: the dedication and early church history on the one hand, and a specifically dated architectural feature on the other. If you are interested in sacred architecture, the choir offers a clear starting point alongside the history of Saint Saturnin.

Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes

The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes adds a more recent historical note: residents of Saint-Sorlin and Abbé Vautrin built it in the 1950s. The complex includes a garden dedicated to Saint Bernadette, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes, a chapel and an esplanade. Views of the Alps and Pilat add a landscape perspective to this religious site. The church and sanctuary thus offer different historical focal points: the Église focuses on its dedication, early church history and 16th-century choir, while the Sanctuaire was built in the 1950s.

The sanctuary is open year-round and free to access. The grounds include a picnic area, and parking is available nearby. As visitor facilities may change, check the latest access and amenities information before your visit. This will help you plan your visit realistically around the facilities provided, while keeping the religious and scenic aspects of the place in view.

Landscape and hiking

The Circuit de Chavagneux passes through the Bois de Malval and offers panoramic views across the Pays Mornantais and the Monts du Lyonnais. The route is signposted with PDIPR markers consisting of wooden posts and yellow directional signs. If you would like to include the Circuit in your travel plans, these provide specific information about the landscape and route markings. The woodland section and panoramic views give the route a different focus from the church and sanctuary, and may appeal to travellers who want to take in the scenery as well as the culture. When planning, look out for the wooden posts and yellow signs as route markers.

Summer festival in the village

The Fête d’été was an event in the village of Saint-Sorlin. At the event held on Saturday, 5 July 2025, grilled pork and refreshments were served. This adds a specific food-related detail from a past village festival to the picture of the place. If you want a festival to determine your travel dates, check current event information before deciding when to travel.

Discover more destinations: Grézieu-La-Varenne, Brignais, Jullié, Albigny-sur-Saône, Vaux-En-Beaujolais, Grézieu-le-Marché, Colombier-Saugnieu, Genay.

For the broader travel guide: Rhône.