The town of Cremieu is located to the east of Lyon, in the Rhone-Alps region of eastern France. The town developed in the 13th century, initially around a benedictine priory built on the cliffs, then later around a castle, and each century since has left its mark on the town of Cremieu that we visit today.
Explore Cremieu
Cremieu is an attractive town with an interesting medieval centre to explore inside the original 14th century medieval ramparts - it is said that the ramparts are among the longest still in existence in France. Ask at Cremieu tourist office for a guided map so you don't miss the highlights that are sometimes a little bit hidden away in the backstreets
There are several defensive towers and gateways incorporated within the fortified walls of Cremieu, of which the 14th century Porte de la Loi was the original main entrance to the town (although the walls are missing here the gateway is still intact). The 'Tower with Windows' is one of the most interesting to be seen, while another is the so-called 'mushroom tower'.
As you explore the old town in Cremieu you will see lots of attractive medieval houses, many with small interesting features to enjoy, such as attractively carved doors and ancient shutters. There are some houses that deserve particular attention, such as the Maison de Martinas in the Rue du Marché-Vieux which is one of the oldest houses in the town and has an ornately carved series of windows.
Other important structures include the very substantial covered 15th century market hall, built in stone and wood and with impressive carpentry work supporting its lauze roof, and the fortified church.
The original 12th century benedictine priory, long since abandoned, stands in majestic ruins on the Saint Hippolyte hill. Because of its long history as an important religious centre, there are two other important convents to see in Cremieu:
- the Augustin convent and cloisters (the cloisters have carefully maintained gardens and stone-arch arcades) and
- the convent of the Visitandines and their associated historical pharmacy.
You can also visit the 13th century Dauphin Castle that once played an important role in the struggles between the Dauphins and the Savoys and their efforts to control the region, a struggle that ended with the important Treaty of Lyon being signed at the beginning of the 17th century. After three centuries of neglect the castle was renovated in the early 20th century.
Wednesday is market day in Cremieu if you want to do some shopping while being part of a 500 year old tradition - but there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the town whichever day you choose to visit.
Attractions nearby
This area to the east of Lyon is perhaps not the most visited region of France but there are some charming places to discover if you are here, the pretty village of Perouges among them. Your children might prefer to spend the day at the Parc Walibi Rhone-Alpes Theme Park!
You can find more travel ideas in the Isere guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
Arrange a visit to Cremieu
Hotels in Cremieu
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Map of Cremieu and places nearby
Visit near Cremieu with France This Way reviews
Perouges
The hillside walled town of perouges is among our favourite villages to be found in France
Perouges guide
Lyon
Lyon has all the impressive buildings and monuments, museums, shops and restaurants that you would expect from one of the most important towns in France.
Lyon guide
Lyon Presqu'ile
The Presqu'ile region of Lyon is characterised by 19th century architecture and upmarket shops
Lyon Presqu'ile guide
Lyon Old Town
In Vieux Lyon there are numerous impressive townhouses of the 16th century, a cathedral, and picturesque paved streets to explore
Lyon Old Town guide
Belley
The cathedral and adjacent historic centre are the highlight of your visit to Belley
Belley guide
Dombes
The Dombes, with thousands of small lakes, is perfect for fishing and bird-watching
Dombes guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Isere
Tourist classifications for Cremieu
Cremieu is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Crémieu, Tour-du-Pin, Rhone-Alpes, 38460, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.7258, longitude 5.25222
Plan your visit to Cremieu, Isere
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Saint-Vulbas: ville fleurie 4* (12 km)
- Morestel: ville fleurie 4* (18 km)
- Perouges: most beautiful village (21 km)
- Walibi Rhone Alpes: theme park (26 km)
- Grand parc de Miribel-Jonage: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Chaponnay: ville fleurie 4* (27 km)
- Laboratoire d’écologie des hydrosystèmes naturels et anthropisés: site of natural beauty (30 km)
- Jardin zoologique de la ville de Lyon: zoo or wildlife park (31 km)
- Parc de la Tête d'Or: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Parc de Gerland: remarkable garden (32 km)
- Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Lyon): religious monument (32 km)
- Historic Lyon: heritage site (32 km)
Market days in Cremieu, France
Regular market(s) are held in Cremieu each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Cremieu (Francais)