City of Saône-et-Loire, in the heart of Burgundy, Le Creusot is known throughout the world for its industrial heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries, but also for its current cutting-edge companies. A unique destination in France for lovers of industrial tourism, the city has managed to preserve its industrial past while entering the 21st century with full force.
Marked by livestock and viticulture, in particular with the presence of nearby Burgundy grape varieties, the commune of Le Creusot takes place on the Blanzy coalfield, not far from Marmagne, Saint-Firmin and Montcenis.
Often described as a city-factory, it has been mentioned since the 13th century. Mines, royal foundry and other industries followed one another on its territory.
Former crystal factory of the Queen, the Château de la Verrerie is one of the jewels of Le Creusot. Built at the end of the 18th century to house the crystal factory of Queen Marie-Antoinette, it was completely transformed a few decades later to become the residence of the Schneiders, then masters of the forges. Of classical architecture, it has a main courtyard flanked by two old ovens, one of which houses a small Italian-style theater and the other an art gallery. The whole benefits from a classification as a Historic Monument. The building houses the eco-museum dedicated to showcasing the industrial heritage of Le Creusot and its region. The Château de la Verrerie is surrounded by a magnificent landscaped park accessible to the public. This 28-hectare English-style park is home to several spaces of hundred-year-old trees, as well as a playground, picnic areas or even an animal enclosure and a fitness trail.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the workers' town of the Combe des Mineurs is not lacking in interest either. Built at the beginning of the 19th century to house a colony of English workers, it is made up of British-style brick houses.
While strolling through the city, you can also admire the Piledriver, which has become a symbol of the city, or the Tour des Bandages. Square tower from the end of the 19th century, it is a replica of the Bost tower. Don't miss the locomotive listed as a Historic Monument, the largest steam locomotive produced in France and the last to still run on the national rail network.
After a tour of the Combes tourist park with its summer toboggan run, its alpine coaster and its zip line, or the commemorative steles of the Jean and Françoise Schneider estates, head for the various churches in the town, like Saint-Henri church with its carillon of 25 bells listed as a Historic Monument or Saint-Laurent church with its panels painted by Michel Bouillot.
At the gates of the city, it is possible to take a path with signs and brochures leading to the Heath of La Chaume, one of the eight natural sites managed by the Conservatory of natural spaces in Burgundy.
The weekly market is held every Thursday, all day, in the rue du Maréchal Joffre. Another is also offered on Saturday mornings.
Concerts are organized in June for the music festival.
Ball and fireworks are offered in mid-July to celebrate the national holiday.
In mid-July, the town hosts Les Rugissantes, a street arts festival.
In August, place at Saint-Laurent and its carnival.
Les folles Escales, in August, is an opportunity to attend several free concerts.
Guided tours of the Château de la Verrerie are also offered regularly throughout the year.
Le Train des Œufs de Pâques
- From 31 march to 1 april 2024
- Parc des Combes, Rue des Pyrénées
- Special Easter trains on 31 March and 1 April 2024 from 2pm to 5pm at Parc des Combes. - Board the train and stop halfway along the journey to go on an egg hunt. Meet the Parc des Combes cockerel and his magic egg. - New : a chocolate bunny to be won on every train.
Marché de Producteurs Bienvenue à la Ferme
- On 5 april 2024
- Maison des Associations Guynemer, Rue Guynemer
- The Bienvenue à la ferme farmers' markets are back on the CUCM territory. With 10 dates, from March to December, every first Friday of the month you can meet your local producers with their quality seasonal produce. Organised by the Chamber of Agriculture in partnership with and with the support of the CUCM, these markets give consumers the chance to meet local producers and talk to them about their expertise, all in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Around fifteen producers are on hand to offer you a taste of their produce, including meat, cheese, snails, honey, wine and bread. - And don't forget that the markets in July and August will be even more gourmet : the producers will be cooking up tasty dishes for you to eat on the spot, in a warm atmosphere accompanied by live music : sweet summer evenings not to be missed under any circumstances…
Conférence de Gilles BERTRAND : « Lazare et Sadi CARNOT, le Père, le Fils et l’Esprit Scientifique"
- On 9 april 2024
- Académie François Bourdon, Cour du Manège - Château de la Verrerie
- Lecture by Gilles BERTRAND, Professor Emeritus and former President of the University of Burgundy : "Lazare and Sadi CARNOT, father, son and the scientific spirit". - The lecture is free and open to all.
Eugène Schneider, le Politique
- On 9 april 2024
- Château de la Verrerie (salle à manger), Rue Jules Guesde
- Eugène Schneider, the politician - By Patrick SERRE. - Eugène Schneider arrived in Le Creusot in 1836. Director of the Forges, he was also a politician : mayor, general councillor, member of parliament, minister and president of the legislature. Although less well known, his career was an important one. - In this talk given by the Creusot Montceau Ecomuseum, historian Patrick Serre looks back at these various offices, right up to Eugène Schneider's last political battle after the Commune of Creusot in 1871. - A university graduate, master of law, teacher and historian, Patrick Serre specialises in the Second Empire, the 1870-1871 war and the Paris Commune.
Voyage Vapeur Vers le Parc des Oiseaux
- On 20 april 2024
- Avenue de l'Europe, Départ de la Gare du Creusot Ville
- Saturday 20 April, the Parc des Oiseaux Express ! - Climb aboard our train, pulled by the famous 241P17 steam locomotive, and head for Villars-les-Dombes. Discover the Parc des Oiseaux : 2,000 birds to watch over 35 hectares. It's a real round-the-world tour of the most beautiful birds from 5 continents. - Return journey Le creusot/Villars-les-Dombes. - Stations served on the outward journey : Chagny, Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon, Bourg-en-Bresse (note : no station served on the return journey). - Stations served on the return journey : Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache, Mâcon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Chagny. - A bus will leave from Villars-les-Dombes for the transfer from the station to the Parc des Oiseaux.
Papasss
- On 26 april 2024
- Esplanade François Mitterrand., L'Arc
- A very fine boulevard comedy with 6 actors on stage - Leading the cast : Edouard Montoute, Paul Belmondo, Christian Vadim - Ludmila, aged 41 with 5 children, has three fathers she didn't even know she had 4 years ago. They may not have been around during her childhood, but they're determined to make up for lost time, and take their role as fathers very seriously. - So when she tells them she's getting married to a man their own age, whom she's only known for 2 months, the reception they give this future 'son-in-law' is going to be very mixed. - But what they hadn't counted on was ending up in police custody…
Marché Artisanal
- From 4 to 5 may 2024
- Château de la Verrerie, Pavillon de l'Industrie
- On Saturday 4 May and Sunday 5 May 2024, the Pavillon de l'Industrie will be hosting its craft market. Come and discover the creations of around twenty craftspeople from our region in the magnificent setting of the former Salle du Jeu de Paume at the Château de la Verrerie. - New : a tombola will be organised, with a free ticket for every purchase from a craftsman present at the craft market. - Prize draw on 5 May at 5pm.
Voyage Vapeur Vers Guédelon
- On 18 may 2024
- Avenue de l'Europe, Départ de la gare du Creusot Ville
- Take a step back in time and climb aboard our train pulled by the famous 241P17 steam locomotive for a day out in the age of fortified castles ! - Round trip Le Creusot-Cosne-sur-Loire and visit Guédelon. - Quarrymen, stonemasons, masons, carpenters, lumberjacks, blacksmiths, tile-makers… transform and add value to stone and wood and reveal the secrets of the builders of the Middle Ages. - Departure from Le Creusot, with stops at Étang-sur-Arroux, Luzy, Cercy-la-Tour, Decize and Nevers.
Inspiration Sylvestre : Voyage Artistique au Cœur de la Forêt
- On 18 may 2024
- Château de la Verrerie, Petit théâtre du château de la Verrerie
- "Inspiration Sylvestre" by Linkubarteur, an association made by artists for artists, art lovers and anyone who wants to discover art from another angle, with live painting, which is an artistic performance combining the creation of a sound and visual work live for spectators. Allow yourself a few moments to be conquered by art in its simplest form. - "Linkubarteur" is a Creusot-based association whose mission is to create links between artists and local attractions. Our aim is to share art with as many people as possible. This first initiative will be an opportunity for people to come and meet us and discover the artists who are part of the adventure. We want to pass on the art of marvelling, expanding our knowledge and discovering new artistic worlds.
Rassemblement de Voitures Anciennes
- On 19 may 2024
- Parc des Combes, Rue des Pyrénées
- Gathering of vintage cars at Le Creusot CFC Ville station. - The cars will leave for a drive and return to Les Combes at around 12 noon to be on display all afternoon.