Villefranche sur Saône is a relatively recent creation compared to its neighbours (Lyon and Mâcon). It is “only” around the middle of the 12th century that the Lord of Beaujeu Humbert III decided to create a city near a crossing between a Roman north-south road (now the Rue Nationale) and an east-west road coming from Thizy or Tarare which would allow for the crossing of the Saône. He also wanted to reinforce his southern property line against the archbishops of Lyon who possessed the château d’Anse. This new city was established on the banks of the Morgon river and the locals were called the “Caladois” from the area of the city called the “Calade” which designated the slabs of stone situated on what is now the square of the church Notre Dame des Marais. The Lords from Beaujeu little by little negotiated various privileges and “franchises” (taxes) hence the name “Ville-franche”. These privileges and “franchises” were later put into a written Charter. The Charter, written in 1260, has been conserved. Well-protected by its surrounding wall, the city developed progressively during Medieval times. The Church Notre Dame des Marais, where several Roman elements co-exist with sumptuous Gothic architecture, is a prestigious symbol. Situated on one of the principle axes of the kingdom, Villefranche dethroned Beaujeu in the 16th century due to Beaujeu’s decentralized location. Beautiful residences were constructed during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. They were occupied by men of law, hotels and the wealthy bourgeoisie. But they remain faithful to the traditional layout dictated by long and narrow plot division. The edifice situated along the main street (the current rue Nationale) is separated by an interior courtyard from a second edifice. These constructions are connected at each level by galleries, initially in wood and then in stone. The discovery of these Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque or classical courtyards constitutes a wonderful initiation into art history. During the 17th century, the former Hôtel de Ville and Hôtel Dieu (hospital – now the Visitors Center) were built in a harmonious and sober style. Since 1790, the Sous-Prefecture has been in the former Cordeliers Convent which was built in the 18th century. During the 19th century, Villefranche became an industrial city particularly in the textile industry. The city will adapt to the crisis in the textile industry during the 20th century by diversifying its economic activity as can be seen in the buildings of the new Hôtel de Ville, the Marché Couvert (covered market), la Chambre de Commerce, the renovation of the theatre and the construction of a commercial zone. An active and enterprising city, Villefranche has always been able to preserve and renovate its rich architectural history.
