Travel Guide Villefranche-Sur-Saône

Villefranche's name reflects its origins. Indeed, in order to attract inhabitants, the Sire de Beaujeu granted a series of privileges, known as franchises, to those who settled in the new town. Initially oral, these franchises were set down in 71 articles in 1260, then extended several times until 1400. The project was a success, and the town grew rapidly, to the point that by the 15th century, Villefranche had become the economic capital of the Beaujolais region. Although surrounded by ramparts, Villefranche was above all a market town, which explains its layout, as can still be seen today in the town center. The central street, renamed several times over the centuries to become the Rue Nationale (Rue Nat' for the locals), is still the pulse of the town, and it's around it that the tour revolves. Don't be surprised to come across the adjective "caladois" in your wanderings: it's the name of the town's inhabitants! There are two widely accepted hypotheses as to the origin of this word. As the area around the collegiate church was very marshy, it was paved with stone slabs known as "calades"; as the market was held all around it, the expression "aller à la calade" soon replaced "aller au marché", then "aller en ville". The other origin comes from the Middle Ages, when the word "calade" referred to a slope where horses were trained to run; as the main street was on a slope, it was nicknamed the "calade", and its inhabitants the "Caladois".