Amplepuis Market
The market fills the streets of the city center. A popular meeting spot, it offers a wide variety of goods, from local produce to clothing and accessories.
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Amplepuis
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ℹ️Practical info — Amplepuis
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Barthélemy Thimonnier Museum is a must-see; check opening days as it is often closed early in the week.
- If visiting Lac des Sapins, arrive before 10 AM in summer to secure a parking spot near the water.
- Pack sturdy walking shoes to explore the beautiful surrounding Beaujolais hills.
- Local shops often close between noon and 2 PM, so plan your purchases accordingly.
🍽 Food
🍽
Beaujolais wine
Sample local red wines at a cave or a small wine bar in the town center.
🍽
Saucisson brioché
A classic regional sausage baked in brioche dough, available at traditional bakeries.
🍽
Local goat cheese
Pick up some fresh goat cheese at the local farmers market for an authentic taste.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Weekly market
Held typically on Tuesday mornings, great for fresh regional produce and local treats.
🛍
Textile goods
Look for fabric and linen shops reflecting the town's rich textile weaving history.
🧘
Lac des Sapins (off-season)
The pine forests around the lake offer beautiful, tranquil walking paths during the cooler months.
🧘
Beaujolais countryside
Walk out of the town limits to find peaceful vineyard trails and rolling green hills.
Water temperature…
Amplepuis is a historic town set in the rolling green mountains of the Beaujolais region in the Rhône department of France. It gained global fame as the birthplace of Barthélemy Thimonnier, who patented the first practical sewing machine in 1830. This invention transformed the town into a powerhouse of the textile industry, particularly in weaving and silk production, remnants of which can still be seen in the grand 19th-century architecture and former factory buildings. Geographically, Amplepuis serves as a gateway to the 'Green Beaujolais,' an area known for its dense forests and fresh air, contrasting with the nearby vineyards. The nearby Lac des Sapins is a major recreational landmark, home to the largest ecological swimming pool in Europe. Today, the town's economy is focused on light industry and eco-tourism, drawing visitors to its Sewing Machine Museum and extensive network of hiking trails. It maintains a strong community spirit, blending its industrial pride with a high quality of life in a natural setting.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Barthélemy Thimonnier Museum · Rochefort Castle · Château de la Goutte
- Nearby: Thizy-les-Bourgs (7 km)
- Population: ~5.149
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 45 | 58 | 77 | 64 | 66 | 66 | 50 | 69 | 71 | 53 |
Geography
Facts
- Site of the sewing machine invention (1830).
- Home to the Museum of Sewing Machines.
- Municipal area covers 38.44 square kilometers.
- Elevation reaches up to 868 meters.
- On the Lyon-Roanne railway line.
- Only 5 km from the famous Lac des Sapins.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Amplepuis (5)
Frequently asked questions
What museum is there in Amplepuis?
The Barthélemy Thimonnier Museum, dedicated to the inventor of the sewing machine who lived in town.
Are there natural destinations near Amplepuis?
The Lac des Sapins, Europe's largest biological swimming lake, is only 10 minutes away.
Does Amplepuis have a railway connection?
Yes, the station is on the Lyon-Roanne line with regular TER services.
What else can be seen in the Thimonnier Museum?
In addition to sewing machines, there is a significant collection of vintage bicycles.
When is the market day in Amplepuis?
The weekly market is held every Tuesday morning in the center.
Amplepuis: where is it located?
Amplepuis is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Amplepuis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Barthélemy Thimonnier Museum, Rochefort Castle, Château de la Goutte.
Amplepuis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Amplepuis: why is it worth visiting?
Amplepuis is a historic town set in the rolling green mountains of the Beaujolais region in the Rhône department of France.
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