Set course for Givors!

With its attractive geographical location, on the banks of the Rhône and at the mouth of the Gier valley, Givors has been inhabited since the time of the Gauls. At a crossroads of rivers and topographies, this former town of bargemen became a major working-class town during the first industrial revolution. Signs of this glorious past can still be seen today. Its historical centre – ‘Vieux Givors’ (Old Givors), as it is still known by some locals – is a place where various events are held. It is here that you will find the unique ‘Cité des Étoiles’ (city of stars). This innovative and ambitious project was dreamt up by architect Jean Renaudie in the late 1970s. Backing on to the hill of Saint-Gérald and near to the ruins of its twelfth-century castle, the site is formed of many housing units, most of which have access to one or several terraces thanks to the star-shaped design. Boasting a theatre, a media library and shops, the complex was awarded the ‘Patrimoine du XXe siècle’ (twentieth-century heritage) label in 2003 and is part of the ‘Réseau des Utopies Réalisées’ (network of achieved utopias). The hill and the square of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) are also the starting point for several walking routes towards the Pilat. On the plateau, stands the chapel of Saint-Martin de Cornas, which, on a clear day, looks out over the whole Gier valley, offering a panoramic view of the Alps, the Pilat and the hills of the Monts du Lyonnais. You can visit it on a walk before continuing further to the north, towards Grigny. There, you can visit the town hall of this former railway worker’s town. Formerly known as the ‘Maison des Champs’ (house of the fields), the building was owned by Jeanne du Clappier, the widow of a wealthy advisor to King Louis XIII. In 1982, during renovation works at the town hall, mural paintings depicting scenes of mythology and love were discovered. They have been beautifully conserved and are listed on the inventory of ‘Monuments Historiques’ (historical monuments). These treasures can be discovered at the next European Heritage Days in September 2023.

A little closer to the stars

Following ‘forts’, last summer, Greater Lyon chose the theme of ‘stars’ for its next daylong event, to be held throughout the metropolitan area on the 25th of June, including Givors. To make the most of the experience, you can even stay overnight in the heart of the Cité des Étoiles, in a rental apartment (two bedrooms, open kitchen and cosy living space) with capacity for up to four people, named ‘Un olivier dans les étoiles’ (an olive tree in the stars). You can also take a guided tour on the 22nd of June at 2pm, and on the 26th and 29th of July at 10 am. (boutique.visiterlyon.com).

Do you want to eat ? 

© Susie Waroude

Make your way to La Brasserie du Fleuve to enjoy a meal on its terrace. In the former Musée de la Résistance (museum of the Resistance), the setting is modern and there is a magnificent view of the Rhône. The food is traditional and home-made. We recommend the mushroom risotto with girolle sauce flavoured with truffles. 

Summer scenes

© Susie Waroude

The Théâtre de Givors holds a summer street performance festival named ‘Les Hommes forts s’éclatent’. A highlight of the early season, this event is entirely free and includes more than 30 shows, ranging from street theatre to circus arts, magic, live music and even an eco-friendly merry-go-round powered by parents! You can come as a family or with friends up to the 24th of June.

Famous for sport

Givors is the hometown of high-profile sportspeople such as Djamel Bouras, former Olympic judo champion, and Sylvain Marconnet, who has played as prop for the Stade Français rugby team. It has even been ranked as the second most sporty town in France! It boasts a water centre, a sports park, a sports centre, three gymnasiums, eight neighbourhood multi-sports pitches, and a municipal sports and leisure school. 

Water battles

Water jousting, a contest where jousters attempt to push their rivals into the cool waters of the Rhône, continues to attract more and more practitioners. In Givors, the water jousting club has even opened its own school offering unique facilities in France!
www.ligue-raa-joutes-barques.com

Something to bring back home

Try the delicious ‘Galet du Rhône’, a speciality made by the chocolate-maker Panel since 1930, which is a praline-almond-hazelnut nougatine shell sprinkled with cocoa powder.