Cours-la-Ville Market
Join the local bustle every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday morning from 8 AM to 12 PM.
Plizio Visual Lab
Cours-la-Ville
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Cours-la-Ville
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The town is situated in a hilly area; be prepared for steep walks in and around the municipality.
- Explore the rich textile history of the town by looking out for the old blanket factory buildings.
- Use the city as a handy starting point for extensive hikes in the forests of the "Beaujolais Vert".
- Pack sturdy hiking boots, as the surrounding trails in the Haut-Beaujolais are beautiful but rugged.
🍽 Food
🍽
Charcuterie and Rosette de Lyon
Enjoy local cured meats at a traditional butcher or a brasserie near the market square.
🍽
Beaujolais Wines
Taste the famous red wines of the region at a local wine shop (cave).
🍽
Tarte à la praline
Pick up this classic regional dessert made with pink pralines from a bakery in the town center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Textile Goods
Look for shops selling fabrics or blankets honoring the town's industrial heritage.
🛍
Beaujolais Cheeses
Buy regional goat cheese at the weekly market for an authentic picnic.
🧘
Lac des Sapins
A short drive away, you'll find this lake offering a massive biological pool and peaceful forest trails.
🧘
Pine forests of Cours
Start directly from the edge of town on one of the many marked trails into quiet nature.
Water temperature…
Cours-la-Ville is a historic industrial town located in the northwestern part of the Rhône department, located within the verdant hills of the Beaujolais Vert region. The town is famous for its storied textile heritage, which flourished during the 19th century when it became one of France's leading centers for blanket manufacturing. This industrial legacy is still etched into the town's architecture, featuring large mill buildings and traditional workers' residences. Geographically, the town is set in a pretty valley surrounded by dense forests and rolling pastures, making it a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite the decline of traditional textile dominance, Cours-la-Ville has successfully diversified its economy, welcoming new industries and services. In 2016, it merged with neighboring Pont-Trambouze and Thel to form the new commune of Cours, yet it continues to serve as the region's main economic and cultural hub. Its unique blend of rugged industrial history and serene mountain landscapes features a distinctive character, celebrating both its hardworking past and its commitment to a sustainable, modern future.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Saint-Étienne Church · Town Hall Park · Église Saint-Paul
- Nearby: Thizy (7 km)
- Population: ~6.250
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
- Elevation ranges from 450 to 550 meters
- Known as the capital of blanket making
- Merged into the commune of Cours in 2016
- Economy now includes mechanical engineering
- The municipal area covers about 19 km²
- Located in the scenic Beaujolais Vert region
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cours-la-Ville (4)
Frequently asked questions
What is Cours-la-Ville historically known for?
It was a major center for the textile industry, especially known for manufacturing blankets and fabrics.
What natural attractions are nearby?
The Lac des Sapins is about 15 km away, offering water sports and Europe's largest biological swimming area.
Is the town good for hiking?
Yes, the surrounding Beaujolais hills offer numerous marked trails with magnificent views.
When does the weekly market take place?
The main market takes place every Tuesday morning and gives fresh regional products.
How is the connection to larger cities?
Roanne is about 30 minutes away, and Lyon is about an hour's drive.
Cours-la-Ville: where is it located?
Cours-la-Ville is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Cours-la-Ville: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Étienne Church, Town Hall Park, Église Saint-Paul.
Cours-la-Ville: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cours-la-Ville: why is it worth visiting?
Cours-la-Ville is a historic industrial town located in the northwestern part of the Rhône department, located within the verdant hills of the Beaujolais Vert region.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Lyon
Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, is the third-largest city in France.
Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne is a former industrial city that is now reinventing itself through design, football, and innovation.
Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is located in the Massif Central and is famous for its chain of volcanoes, the Chaîne des Puys, and as the home of the M…
Clermont-Ferrand-Nord
Clermont-Ferrand-Nord comprises industrial development zones and modern residential quarters.
Lyon-Sud
The southern area of Lyon offers a mix of industrial and residential areas.
Bourg-en-Bresse
The capital of the Ain department, famous for the Brou Monastery and its renowned Bresse poultry.
Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or
An exclusive hilltop town overlooking Lyon, famous for its golden stone houses and breathtaking panoramic views.
Caluire-et-Cuire
A city north of Lyon, situated between the Saône and Rhône rivers, famous as the site of Jean Moulin's arrest.
Saint-Priest
Saint-Priest is a dynamic city in the Lyon metropolitan area, known for its medieval castle and strong industrial base.
Roanne
Roanne is a historic city in the Loire department, celebrated as a gastronomic capital and an important inland port on the Loire River.
Saint-Chamond
A former industrial city on the edge of the Pilat Natural Park, successfully transformed.
Bron
A key suburb of Lyon, home to a major university campus and a historic airfield vital to aviation history.
Vaulx-en-Velin
A dynamic suburb of Lyon, known for its industrial history and modern scientific facilities.
Lyon-Nord
Lyon-Nord comprises city quarters with a mix of residential and business areas.
Villefranche-sur-Saône
The capital of the Beaujolais region, famous for its wine trade, Renaissance architecture, and vibrant market culture.