Saint-Priest

Though it’s better known for its shopping areas than its heritage, Saint-Priest is still well worth a visit. A few minutes from Lyon by tram, this working-class town has always cultivated its contrasts. Even at the height of French automobile manufacturer Berliet’s industrial success in the early 20th century, Saint-Priest remained a very agricultural town. While in the west, the Berliet workers’ housing estate was fast becoming the jewel in the crown of Lyon’s steel industry, triggering exponential demographic change, the east of the town maintained its agricultural tradition. The result? As you alight at Bel Air, the T2 tram line’s final stop, it’ll only take you a few steps to find yourself… in open countryside! 

There are great walks and bike rides to the east of Saint-Priest. There are plenty of options either in the Fort de Saint-Priest’s 35-hectare park or along marked footpaths. The town has a further beautiful protected space to the north: the 140-hectare technology park. Alongside the companies that have set up shop in the business park, you’ll find landscaped green spaces, ponds, and the pleasant forest of Feuilly. Sporty visitors can train on the gym apparatus and take part in connected sessions accessible by scanning QR Codes found along the fitness trail.

Daredevil deeds at iFly or Koezio

Another advantage of the town is its unusual leisure facilities. Also down by the technology park, the leisure centre attracts thrill-seekers for a unique indoor skydiving experience at iFly. Suitable for visitors aged 5 years old and over, this indoor skydiving facility simulates the thrill of jumping from a plane at an altitude of 4,000 metres! Nearby, groups compete in fresh, fun escape games at the Koezio indoor adventure park.

A little further, towards the road to Grenoble, the Trampoline Park will give visitors of all ages a fresh spring in their step. To the west of the town, the Saint-Priest circus school has breathed fresh life into the Berliet farm, putting on circus arts lessons and courses for students of all ages and skill levels. Finally, an ice rink will be added to the sports centre in 2023 or 2024 near the imposing Pierre Mendès-France water sports centre.

Saint-Priest, a town of the future

This ice rink is just one of many projects in Saint-Priest. Scheduled redevelopment of the town centre built back in the 1970s, immense cinema under construction in the town centre, renovation of the Théo Argence theatre: Saint-Priest is making moves and attracting new residents. Charmed by the town’s proximity to Lyon and easy access to the countryside, these residents are moving into residential neighbourhoods and the much in-demand “village”. With its pretty square, pedestrianised streets and local shops, this neighbourhood has all the charm of a small town. Curious visitors can explore this village on a historic digital walk, available by scanning QR codes set up around the neighbourhood.

You can also tour the nearby Château de Saint-Priest. This fully-renovated medieval building, which is available for wedding or seminar hire, houses a restaurant. What better way to make the most of this majestic setting? The château’s beautiful garden is open to the public and the venue for events like the Bastille Day fireworks or the stunning rare plant fair, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors in March.

Along with the free Music-en-Ciel festival in June, the “Foulées San-Priotes” running event in February, and the Les Myriades cross-country race in November, this fair is the perfect opportunity to find out more about this multi-faceted town!

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Claire Angot