The Covered Market of Villefranche-sur-Saône

Following a complete and exemplary renovation begun in November 2024, the Covered Market of Villefranche-sur-Saône has just reopened. This Beaujolais institution embodies a unique gastronomic heritage in the Rhône, with its stalls of fresh produce and dedicated spaces for food vendors.

In the winter twilight of this December 12a special aura surrounds the Covered Market. For the past few hours, a warm environment escapes from the slender glass panes of the facade, revealing an unusual effervescence.

At 7 a.m., the building's doors, closed for a year, finally reopened. From the porch, a joyous scene unfolded, worthy of an Advent calendar. Shopkeepers and loyal customers alike savored a long-awaited return to the gourmet haven of Les Calades*.

The Covered Market, an iconic Art Deco building from the 30s

Let us now look into the eyes of the people present at theThe building was inaugurated in 1933.. In the Art Deco styleIt was designed by the architect Albin DecœurToday, it has regained its original appearance. Listed as a historical monument. historical monuments since 2021The restoration work had to be commensurate with its heritage value.

Between plays on symmetry and the omnipresence of glazingThe completely repainted exterior walls emphasize the harmony and the elegance of 30s architectureThe entrances, tinted brick red, are returning to their original color.

Inside, natural light has been restored to its central place. Long obstructed to combat the heat, windows have regained their transparency, some now fitted with shutters. The skylight in the rounded roof is also functional again.

During a site visit, the mayor of Villefranche-sur-Saône emphasized that this result owes much to the elders « maps and postcards » entrusted to Architekt-onThe firm in charge of the project by the municipality. It is in this new setting that the shopkeepers have reassembled their stalls and returned to their shops after having worked in the neighboring parking lot during the construction.

A heartfelt, popular, and gourmet market

From the gallery overlooking the interior of the market hall, one can admire the spectacle while enjoying a coffee at the bar located above the main entrance. Below, some thirty stalls are lined up along the a 2,400 m² flowerbed, surrounded by about twenty stalls occupied by enticing food shops. François Colombani, florist and President of the association of traders of the covered market, loves this place for its soul popular " or " you can find everything "And for all budgets."

Depending on the day and time of year, the number of vendors varies. Right now, for example, there's a foie gras producer. On a weekly basis, there are... artisan cheesemakers et local, fishmongers, rotisserie owners and butchers, greengrocers, bakers and pastry chefs, delicatessen vendors and many other purveyors of gourmet treats… On Saturdays, organic producers also set up shop in the adjacent parking lot.

Le Covered Market, It is also a whole chapter of local social and commercial history.

Here, Some families have owned their plots since the 30s"My husband learned to walk at the market," explains one producer, "because his grandmother was already here in '36." Being here together regularly, from 6 a.m. until 14 p.m., fosters " much friendship "and sometimes, " It's tough love " she adds, smiling at her neighbor, who calls out to her loudly.

Long before the 30s, a vast market already existed. It stretched from north to south along the "rue Nat" – rue Nationale for the uninitiated – which is particularly long, much to the delight of today's shoppers. The mayor recalls the expression used by the inhabitants of that time, which gives an idea of ​​its extent: "It will not last as long as the Villefranche market ».

* caladois: refers to everything concerning Villefranche-sur-Saône — whether it be its inhabitants, its heritage, its local identity…

Market days and getaways to Villefranche-sur-Saône

Let's get started with ideas for getaways to Villefranche-sur-Saône for the holidays or, at any time of year, to stroll around the Covered Market, but not only that!

Villefranche-sur-Saône boasts an unexpected cultural heritage, charming boutiques, and inviting tea rooms and restaurants. Furthermore, the town center is conveniently located just steps from the train and bus stations.

During the holiday season 

Ideas and recommendations Beaujolais Tourism, to discover the Covered Market.

• Friday and Saturday mornings are preferable, as there are more shops on those days.
• Guided tour of the “Hidden Treasures” – Saturday 27/12 at 15:30pm.
• Guided tour in the form of a nighttime lantern walk – Saturday, January 3rd at 17pm.

All year 

• Upcoming guided tour dates: consult the tourist office

Autonomy 

Suggestion for coming on a Friday

• Morning: market, self-guided tour of hidden treasures (tour map), possible with audio guides available for hire at the tourist office during opening hours.  
• Lunch: meal at one of the Restaurants of Villefranche
• Afternoon: visit to the Paul Dini Museum (paid) and/or the Museum of Conscripts and House of Memories (Free). Please note that the museums are closed from December 24th to January 1st inclusive. Relax at the T'cosy tea room. Shopping on Rue Nationale.

Suggestion for coming on a Saturday 

• Morning: market (with organic producers present), self-guided tour of hidden treasures (tour map), possible with audio guides available for hire at the tourist office during opening hours. 
• Lunch: meal at the restaurant
• Afternoon: Visit to the Paul Dini Museum (admission fee applies). Please note that it is closed from December 24th to January 1st inclusive. Relaxing moment at the floatation center. A Cal'o. Afternoon tea break at the T'cosy tea room. Shopping on rue Nationale.

Suggestion for coming on a Sunday

Taking into account the shops on Rue Nationale being closed and the tourist office only being open on Sundays in July and August 

• Morning: market, hidden treasures tour (with downloadable map as the tourist office is closed) 
• Lunch: meal at the restaurant
• Afternoon: Paul Dini Museum/ film at the CGR cinema, drinks at Wynwood

Consult the opening schedule of the Covered Market Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday mornings and restricted on Wednesdays.