Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne

It’s hard not to be seduced by this charming medieval town, with its cheerful, tasty market. Lulled by the gentle sound of the Chalaronne River, this shopping village exudes a bewitching charm, with its pretty pink brick half-timbered facades, embellished with squares and flower-filled balconies. It’s an inviting place to stroll and enjoy the gentle pace of life.

Incredible market

Life in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne is punctuated by the sound of bells and the more discreet sound of the Chalaronne, not forgetting the lively market under the Halle. Voted France’s most beautiful market in 2021, it’s easy to understand why when you take the time to stop by. It’s a pleasure to smell and taste the flavors and smells of the stalls where local producers offer a thousand and one delicacies…

It’s lively, full of color and life! The hall itself, with its 15th-century columns and framework, is a real eye-catcher. Its large-scale architecture, with some amusing sculptures for the keen eye, bears witness to the town’s trading past and medieval wealth. Remains of ramparts, preserved houses and the Porte de Villars tell the story of a former stronghold of the Counts of Savoy, but one where free citizens, merchants and craftsmen held sway.

©friendly Saturday morning market in Chatillon sur Chalaronne

You won’t want to miss the market under the halles, with its outpouring of fresh produce smells, the cheerfulness of the market gardeners, the fresh spring plants and flowers, and the animals (hens, rabbits, roosters…). Spend some time talking to the producers on site, and you’ll learn all about their trade secrets. My advice: pick up a sweet or savoury treat, depending on your preference, at the market and sit down in the Clos Janin park to enjoy it beside the Chalaronne.

Charm and authenticity

Beautiful medieval facades of pink brick and half-timbered panels, a gentle river spanned by charming flower-bedecked footbridges, the charm is all around you. This town has preserved its authenticity.

Made rich by the franchises granted to it by the Counts of Savoy, it was a town of charity long before Vincent de Paul founded the Dames de la Charité brotherhood. The former hospice is now a cultural center. With its magnificent apothecary, whose pretty garden provided medicinal plants, it bears witness to a time when solidarity was called charity.

Everywhere in the village, flowers recall the days of the Bougainvillea expeditions, from which the local boy Philibert Commerson brought back the hydrangea… In September, the rare plant market brings together passionate horticulturists from France and Europe.

Arts and crafts and local know-how complete your discovery of this charming medieval town.

GOOD TO KNOW

The first woman to sail around the world

Philibert Commerson, born in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, was a physician, explorer and naturalist who accompanied Bougainville on his voyage around the world. A friend of Voltaire, Lalande, de Jussieu and Buffon, this pure spirit of the Enlightenment embarked on the Etoile, as the King’s naturalist, to join Bougainville’s expedition.

He was accompanied by a valet who turned out to be his governess, Jeanne Baret. Originally from Burgundy and of modest origins, Jeanne, who had become an accomplished botanist through Commerçon’s contact, shared her master’s daily life on board. Commerçon dedicated a tree to his faithful friend and companion, Jeanne Baret, the bois de quivit, which he named Baretia Quivia.

“This plant, with its deceptive finery and foliage, is dedicated to the valiant young woman who, taking on the clothes and temperament of a man, had the curiosity and audacity to travel the whole world, by land and sea…”.