Published 29 / 04 / 2021 Reading time: 2 min
Charlieu has been a fortified town since 1180. Classified among the “Most Beautiful Detours in France”, it has an exceptional heritage. Lydie, guide-lecturer at the Tourist Office, takes us on a visit that will take you back in time.
Begin your gentle stroll, Place de l'Abbaye, symbol of the start of the city's development since the monks ruled it until the Revolution.
Then take the medieval rue de la Grenette to reach the central square of Saint-Philibert, the heart of the city. You will then pass in front of the country house which currently houses the Tourist Office. Several half-timbered houses from the XNUMXth centurye century attract attention around the square but also in almost all the alleys with evocative names.
Then we enter the rue du Tour de l'Eglise, a characteristic medieval street with its row of half-timbered houses from the XNUMXth century.e century. A little further on, take a moment to admire the superb house known as the Armagnacs, the private mansion of the Dupont de Dinechin family, the old stone house of Gabelle or the Saint-Louis house. In a more Renaissance style, the Maison des Anglais will also charm attentive eyes.
Finally, the essential Saint-Philibert church will show you its painted wooden stalls from the XIVe century. Musical atmosphere at the rendezvous when taking a break announced by the joyful melody of the carillon.
A secret place? The town hall's wedding hall is rarely visited. Its XNUMXth century Aubusson tapestriese century reproduce country scenes visible on a guided tour.
To make the pleasure last
Take the direction of the city's museums located in the former Hôtel-Dieu from the XNUMXth centurye century. The Hospital museum which traces the history of medicine and care and the Silk Museum which will allow you to follow the manufacturing process of silk fabrics.
Fancy a guided tour? The Charlieu-Belmont Tourist Office offers 3 guided tour packages - from € 3 to € 6 per visit. 04 77 60 12 42 - contact@charlieubelmont-tourisme.com
