Vaugneray offers a variety of reasons to visit: culture in the former Visitation monastery, trails through the Monts du Lyonnais countryside, two market days, as well as a cinema and swimming pool. You can choose what to focus on, such as local history, panoramic views or regional products. When planning your stay, the market days, dates of individual performances and the swimming pool’s seasonal summer offering are particularly relevant.

Monastery, history and cultural programme

In the former Visitation monastery, the chapel and cloister have become a cultural venue with several exhibition spaces. The building, constructed in the late 1960s, was inspired by Le Corbusier. The “Sur les pas de l’Histoire” tourist trail complements this cultural focus with historical perspectives on Vaugneray, both old and new. This brings together different ways of exploring local history: the cultural venue in the former monastery and a trail that presents the village from a range of historical viewpoints.

Théâtre Le Griffon is an intimate venue with 200 seats. Its cultural programme includes theatre, music, comedy and original productions, with around ten performances each year. The events vary. If you want to see a particular production, check the dates for your travel period.

Trails, countryside and Alpine views

The “Boucle du Val Noir” follows trails through the rural, wooded and hilly landscapes of the Monts du Lyonnais and offers a way to discover Vaugneray. At the signposted viewpoints at Soupat and Roche Coucou, panoramic views extend as far as the Alpine range. The trail combines exploring the surroundings with named viewpoints; the views themselves are a useful consideration when choosing between local history and a countryside experience.

For a cycling trip, the “Circuit des Crêts” is a separate option. The circular route starts in Vaugneray and follows climbs to the Croix du Ban and Luère passes. The landscapes described include wooded mountain areas, high-altitude roads and panoramic views of the Alps. While the “Boucle du Val Noir” stands out as a trail for discovering Vaugneray through its viewpoints, the “Circuit des Crêts” focuses on a circular cycling route and its climbs to the passes. The descriptions therefore highlight different features, without implying that the routes are connected.

Market days and products

The producers’ market takes place on Saturday mornings. Products on offer include goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, organic vegetables, as well as poultry and poultry products. Another market is held on Tuesday mornings, offering local cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses, eggs, vegetables and fruit. The selection differs: Saturday’s market also lists poultry and poultry products, as well as seasonal and organic produce, while Tuesday’s includes eggs. The selection may change; if you are coming for specific products, check what is currently available.

Cinema and swimming pool

Cinéval is an amphitheatre-style cinema with 192 seats. Its technical features include digital 3D projection and Dolby stereo sound. The seating may change. Alongside the theatre programme, you can also choose a cinema with its own distinctive layout and technical features.

The Piscine des Vallons du Lyonnais has a 25-metre sports pool, a progressive-depth pool and an activity pool with an adjustable floor. There are also one- and three-metre diving boards, a water slide and a sauna. Activities on offer include swimming lessons, aquagym, aquabike, diving training and scuba diving. In summer, there is a park with landscaped, tree-lined areas and water features for children. Class times and availability may vary; facilities and access to the seasonal summer offering may also change. Check these details for your travel dates.

Travel dates and hotels in Vaugneray

When looking for hotels in Vaugneray, the experiences you prefer can help determine when to travel. For a market visit, Tuesday or Saturday morning may be suitable; a particular theatre performance depends on its scheduled date. Check the relevant dates before booking your accommodation so your travel plans fit the activities you have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Rillieux-La-Pape, Saint-Laurent-D'oingt, Savigny, Anse, Thizy, Dommartin, Corcelles-En-Beaujolais, Vaux-En-Beaujolais.

See the wider travel overview: Rhône.