Travel Guide Condrieu

Bordered by the Rhône, at the foot of the Pilat, Condrieu is one of those towns with names that speak to gourmets the world over. A stopover on the ViaRhôna which crosses it along a wilder river, Condrieu is home to an exceptional vineyard on its slopes. Exposed to the sun, the stone terraces rehabilitated in the 1970s follow the contours of the land to accommodate the precious grape varieties that will produce the formidable Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie. Another marvel of this terroir is the famous Rigotte de Condrieu, which has been awarded the AOP label. At the crossroads of the Rhône, the Loire and the Isère, once three provinces (Lyonnais, Forez and Dauphiné), the town was founded in 59 BC. The fortified village of the Middle Ages became, thanks to the port, the capital of the barge industry until the end of the 19th century. The church of Saint-Etienne, dating from the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, has a porch with a tympanum and a Romanesque lintel from the 12th century. It is therefore necessary to take the time to stroll through the narrow streets of Condrieu, to discover the small port and the local rowing club, to cycle along the Rhone, to stop at the vineyards, the wine shops, the terraces of the cafés and restaurants. Many possibilities to discover a vineyard labelled Vignobles & Découvertes with original walks to be booked at the tourist office. Don't miss the "Fascinating weekend" which takes place in the autumn to savour all the charms of an exceptional region.