Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or is a town in the Rhône department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, bordering Lyon (north-west).
With a population of just over 5,300 inhabitants (against 2,000 at the Liberation), the town was for a long time a simple hamlet dependent on Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or and the commune was not officially created until 1901.
A true transitional territory between the urban metropolis and the verdant countryside of the Monts d'Or, the city is both residential and boosted by shops and artisanal and tertiary activities that its geographical position and its proximity to the major roads of communication attracted.
Already inhabited under the Roman era and crossed by an aqueduct feeding the "capital of Gaules", the site then developed by a thriving agricultural activity and then as a stopover on the road to Lyon.
The city offers leisure and cultural activities, while safeguarding its assets in terms of environment.
A visit to Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or goes through the discovery of the valley of Rochecardon, which borrows one of the edges of the communal territory (in some places formerly planted with vines). This valley was cultivated until the beginning of the 20th century, before returning (for a good part of its route) to the wild. It connects the Monts d'Or in the heart of Lyon.
A botanical trail has been developed which allows to apprehend the remarkable flora (orchids, irises...) but also a diversified fauna. For more information or to obtain brochures and guides before taking the trail, please call +33 4 72 52 06 06.
In Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, three parks can be the object of bucolic walks: the parc des Cèdres, the recreation area of Coulouvrier and the parc des Pastourelles.
In terms of built heritage, the Saint-Louis-Roi church, dating from 1862, is in the neo-Gothic style, which was the subject of embellishments in 2003 (new openings in the form of ogives, facade In golden stones replacing metal cladding). In the city center always, an interesting cross dating from 1804.
In the heart of the hamlet of Voutillière, the residence of La Malmaison (19th century) and its park were the property of businessman Napoleon Bullukian who had bequeathed the whole to a humanitarian foundation. The site is being restructured to be converted into a high-end residence composed of apartments.
A French song festival offers four concerts in April and May. Information on +33 4 72 52 06 06.
The second weekend of May, a "Weekend of Painters" is offered at the Paul Morand Center where artists from the region exhibit.
At the end of June, to celebrate summer and school holidays, "Champagne en fête" offers outdoor dining, dance and entertainment for all ages.
In June always, the fires of Saint John give place to convivial festivities, with musical animation.
A vide-greniers takes place every first Sunday in July.
A festival of associations takes place at the Espace Monts d'Or in early September.
The third week of November, the arrival of the new Beaujolais is celebrated by the population in a "guinguette" atmosphere, in the city center.
In November, in association with the town of Dardilly, the city hosts the Amateur Theater Festival "L'Ouest en Scènes" (many shows).
In November, the multimedia library hosts Documentary Film Month and offers screenings and meetings with directors.
On 8 December, in the evening, the municipality organizes a feast of lights punctuated by a torchlight retreat.
In mid-December, finally, a Christmas market is offered in the heart of the city center.
More conventional but ideal to discover the rich local specialties, a weekly market is held every Thursday morning from 8 am to 1 pm Place de la Liberté.
