Saint-Priest is a town in the Rhône region in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, less than 10 km south-east of the historic heart of Lyon.
Although the village now has about 43,000 inhabitants, until the beginning of the 20th century, it was still a village of 2,000 inhabitants which had a stronghold in the Middle Ages that became a castle occupied by the lineage of Knights Richard then a residence of the family Guignard, notables Lyon.
Until the First World War, Saint-Priest lived on vegetable and cereal agriculture, not counting a few acres of vines. Industrial activity is still only embryonic.
Everything is accelerated with the implantation, the peace returned, the factories Berliet (automobiles then trucks) and Maréchal (oilcloth), whose rise induces the development of working-class cities.
In the immediate vicinity of Lyon, Saint-Priest continues to change face in the second half of the twentieth century, welcoming buildings and tertiary activities while being perfectly connected to its great neighbor in terms of transport.
Having preserved an authentic city center and its historical heritage, as well as the green park surrounding a fort built after the war of 1870, animated culturally and sportive, Saint-Priest is worth the detour.
The castle of Saint-Priest bought in 1938 by the city, is classified Historic Monument. Its first elements date from the 10th century, and the strong house is adorned with a tower in the 15th. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the owners renovated the castle which now has a residential vocation in a Renaissance style and endowed it with a French garden that was transformed in the 19th century into an English garden... A time occupied by workshops and services Municipalities, the castle is the object of a new renovation in 1995. During the works, archaeological treasures are uncovered. Free visit. For further information, please call +33 4 78 21 25 58.
The discovery of the city's built heritage was continued by the fort, built in 1888 to monitor the Isère plain, the Grenoble road and the railway track. It was used as a barracks, a depot of weapons and ammunition during the First War and then, during the Second World War, the fort was home to an AAA unit and then an Italian garrison. The German army succeeded it and exploded its stock of ammunition at its departure, in 1944, destroying several elements. Visit and information on +33 4 72 23 48 48 or +33 4 72 77 69 69.
The original church of the old village (12th century), the church of Manissieux (XVIth) and the church of Notre-Dame de la Paix built in 1960 in a contemporary style also deserve to be seen. For further information, please call +33 (0) 4 72 77 69 69.
It should also be noted that a visit to the city's heritage must include the Berliet City, an interesting example of a working-class city made up of pavilions and buildings dating from 1929.
In a totally different way, it is necessary to note that the city is dotted with monumental sculptures of contemporary artists installed since 1989 for the oldest, forming an ensemble called "Art in the city". It is the "Couple en marche" (bronze), by Lynn Chadwick, in the park of the castle, "Sportsmen" (steel), by François Lavrat, on the Rond Point of Human Rights, Red "by Jean-Philippe Aubanel at the eponymous square and the" Mémorial de la paix "(red marble) by Daniele Bragoni at the United Nations.
In addition to the Heritage Days in September, guided tours of the city's main historic sites are offered. For further information, please call +33 4 72 77 69 69.
In terms of green spaces, Saint-Priest offers walkers, cyclists and cyclists alike a number of verdant environments in the neighborhoods and activity parks of the Porte des Alpes and the Technological Park (including lakes and sports fields), not forgetting The forest of Feuilly, a kind of protected corridor that connects Saint-Priest to Lyon and which has become a real reserve for flora and fauna. For further information, please contact us at +33 4 72 23 48 48.
For other hiking ideas including Saint-Priest, brochures and information available at +33 4 72 77 69 69.
Athletes can also go to the Mendès-France nautical center which offers swimming pools, play equipment and an "outside lagoon" in summer. Price: 3,50 and 5,20 euros. Information on +33 4 78 21 52 00.
To rent a tennis court, join the +33 4 78 20 38 33 and for a horse ride, contact the equestrian center on +33 4 78 21 73 71.
Finally, local tradition, the bowling alley is open to passing visitors. Information on +33 4 78 21 67 62.
During the second fortnight of January, in the castle, artists' salon.
The last weekend of March, in the park of the castle, fair rare plants (market, stock exchange, exhibitions...).
End of June and beginning of July, Music en Ciel festival: rock, pop and electro concerts on Friday and Saturday evening on a big stage, folk atmosphere on Sunday afternoon in the castle park.
On the 3rd Saturday of September, the fall fair welcomes hundreds of exhibitors and attracts thousands of visitors looking for bargains or entertainment.
In the even years, during the second half of September, the MJC of the city hosts some of the dance performances scheduled within the framework of the renowned Biennale de la danse contemporaine de Lyon.
In mid-October, the Lumière (cinema) festival in Lyon "relocates" projections and even meetings with directors and actors in Saint-Priest.
At the beginning of December, on the occasion of the feast of lights, shows and animations in the castle and in the districts of the city.
We will not forget that on the outskirts of the French gastronomic capital, a detour through the markets of the city can book good and gourmande surprises. They take place on Tuesday and Sunday morning place Roger Salengro and street of doctor Gallavardin and on Friday morning place Ferdinand Buisson.
