Explore Riverie through its medieval history, cultural events and outdoor activities. The church, castle and the village's former fortified position offer tangible ways to connect with its history; there is also an interactive treasure hunt through the lanes, marked trails and a climbing park in a former gneiss quarry. When looking for a hotel in Riverie, consider whether a cultural event on a specific date will shape your stay, or whether you would rather focus on historic sites and trails.

Medieval Traces in the Village

Riverie's medieval past is reflected both in its local history and in its buildings. In the Middle Ages, the village was the fiefdom of a powerful barony and occupied a fortified position. It has held the “Petite Cité de Caractère” designation since 2017. One distinctive feature of Saint-Paul Church is its westward orientation. Riverie Castle was rebuilt in the form known today between 1595 and 1605. The former hospice of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem is now known as La Picoraille.

Treasure Hunts, Trails and Climbing Routes

Another way to get to know the village's medieval setting is “Les Rêveries du Grand Quinson”. This interactive treasure hunt takes you through Riverie's lanes: follow Grand Quinson to track down and catch Graal, the great leader of the Gnolus. It is available free of charge every day, year-round, 24 hours a day. Check the access information again before setting out. The focus here is on the hunt through the lanes, not on the architectural history of the church or castle.

Riverie is on the GR7, and marked trails start there, ranging from short walks to trail-running routes for more athletic hikers. Check the local trail markings before setting out. If you're looking for an activity focused on movement, Les Roches climbing park is also located in a former gneiss quarry. It offers 24 climbing routes with an average height of 10 to 20 metres, as well as a via cordata route. The climbing facilities may change for safety reasons; take the current safety conditions into account when planning your visit. With a little luck, you may also spot the rare and protected red kite in Riverie. A sighting cannot be planned.

Cultural Events and Dates

The municipality of Riverie stages a performance by Théâtre du Piat every year in February or March; the exact date may vary from year to year. Les Rivériades follow a different schedule: this medieval festival takes place on the last Sunday in June in every odd-numbered year. The programme includes street theatre, historical costumes, artisan stalls and other traditional entertainment. Events may vary with each edition. Check the specific event date and programme before your trip.

Patatr'Art Micro Galerie presents changing exhibitions on weekends, featuring painting, photography, sculpture and crafts. Which exhibition is on during a particular weekend depends on the current programme; check it if you are planning your visit around a specific exhibition. Les Rivériades bring the medieval theme to the streets through theatre and crafts, while the church, castle and La Picoraille remain historic landmarks in the village. For travel planning, it makes a difference whether your stay is centred on an event with a set date or whether you want to discover Riverie mainly through its local history and trails.

Discover more destinations: Solaise, Lantignié, Tupin-Et-Semons, La Tour-De-Salvagny, Arnas, Vaugneray, Marennes, Ville-Sur-Jarnioux.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.