Heyrieux is a commune in the department of Isère, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 25 km south-east of Lyon.
Bordering the Rhône department to the west, its territory of nearly 14 km² belonged under the Old Regime to the royal province of Dauphiné. It is crossed by the course of the Ozon, a tributary of the Rhône.
Covered by agricultural areas (55% of its area), meadows (15%) and forests (3.5%), the locality has preserved green and discreetly hilly landscapes.
The village developed in the Middle Ages on the basis of a Gallo-Roman domain and was then part of the possessions of the county of Savoie within the Dauphiné. In the 13th century, Carthusian monks ruled the parish and in the 14th century, Lord Jean de Chandieu, subservient to the counts of Savoy, granted freedoms to the bourgeois of Heyrieux. Soon integrated with all of Dauphiné into the kingdom of France (1356), the town was granted by François I the right to organize fairs and markets. Ideally located on the axis linking Lyon to Grenoble, Heyrieux still developed in the 18th century as a center for hunting wolves, which then terrorized the region and its breeders.
Nowadays, a small town in the countryside of about 4700 inhabitants, the town still benefits from its geographical location, highlights its environment and has a range of leisure activities of interest.
The locality "lost" a large part of its heritage wealth in the 19th century. There is thus no longer any evidence of the former Benedictine priory of Notre-Dame or of the Romanesque church. As for the former seigniorial domain of Chandieu, it was dismantled and divided between different families. One exception should however be mentioned: this is the Château du Colombier (15th century), which is open to the public during Heritage Days in September (information on +33 4 78 40 00 14).
The Notre-Dame parish church was rebuilt in 1900 and presents a neo-Romanesque style. Note its bell tower (recently restored) on the facade, its nave made up of three bays and its polygonal apse.
Also noteworthy is the Château de Rajat, to the north-west of the town, built at the start of the 20th century by bankers from Lyon in a Louis XV style. The estate, which somehow straddles the towns of Heyrieux and Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu (in the Rhône) was home to a religious community until 1975. Acquired by an inter-municipal syndicate, it has recently become the exclusive property of the locality of Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu. Its 17-hectare park planted with centuries-old trees includes mini-golf and children's play areas. It also lends itself to pleasant walks. Open to the public all year round. Information on +33 4 72 48 07 91.
In terms of culture, the municipal media library with its neat architecture regularly offers events (readings, meetings, etc.). Information on +33 4 78 40 53 50. It is also worth noting the Espace Césarges and the rural home which program shows and associative events: contact +33 4 78 40 00 14.
Heyrieux also has a cinema places: a time managed by the Social and Cultural Center of the municipality, this cinema is now directly supported by the community. Several screenings are scheduled each month, at least one of which is dedicated to young audiences. Price: 4 and 6.50 euros. Information on the program on +33 6 41 73 83 21.
For sports enthusiasts, several quality facilities are available to visitors and holidaymakers. This is the case of the municipal swimming pool located near the stadium which includes open pools and spaces for relaxation. Open in July and August from Tuesday to Sunday. Information on +33 4 78 40 00 15.
Also note that a skate park has recently been built in the town and that at the level of the pleasant Parc de la Fraternité (1.5 hectares) a fitness trail and a bowling alley are established.
The other great asset of Heyrieux turns out to be the Césarges park, to the south of the town. On 7 hectares, are laid out green paths, a pond accessible to fishermen and a reed bed. Panels are installed to explain the richness of the fauna and flora. Playgrounds and picnic areas are available for families. Inquire on +33 4 78 40 00 14.
As far as hiking is concerned, Heyrieux and the neighboring municipalities have pooled their potential to create a 250 km network comprising only small roads, paths and paths that pedestrians, mountain bikers or horse riders can take in complete safety. What to enjoy the bucolic and hilly landscapes of this territory on the borders of Dauphiné, the Lyon area and the Rhône valley. Maps and information on +33 4 72 48 19 89.
Every Friday, the market brings together around forty producers who highlight the rich terroir and gastronomy of the region, between Dauphiné and Lyonnais.
The 3rd weekend of September, exhibition of paintings and sculptures and book fair.
The Saturday closest to November 25, Sainte-Catherine fair with fairground market, exhibitions dedicated to ancient crafts and crafts, concerts.
In December, Christmas market.
