Saint-Sorlin de Morestel

The name of Saint-Sorlin de Morestel comes from Saturnin, a saint who evangelized Provence, Languedoc and northern Spain before being martyred in Toulouse by followers of pagan gods.

The village mainly developed around agriculture and even if the rural exodus in the middle of the 20th century may have endangered this sector of activity, agriculture, in particular cattle breeding, is still today an important activity in Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel.

1. Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel and its heritage

– The church of Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel: built to replace an old adobe church, this church was built in particular thanks to priest Lachanaz between 1878 and 1880. He was the project manager and also participated financially in construction. In addition, it was he who raised the necessary funds from the Carthusians and parishioners and friends.
The church was then renovated in 1990. It has white limestone walls. Its harmonious architecture houses a bronze bell from 1584, classified as a Historic Monument. The latter is placed in a wooden campanile inside the church, which was made by Michel Chanoz.

– Vernacular heritage: private ovens and wash houses, witnesses of the life of yesteryear.

– The 3 crosses: formerly, 4 of them have now disappeared. They are located at old junctions including the Brassard cross in cast metal which is rich in symbols of the Passion of Christ.



2. Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel and weaving

Although nothing remains of it today, until the middle of the 4th century it was a very important sector of activity in the region. In Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel in particular because there are XNUMX large companies including the Bouix factory, the best known.
They followed the development of the weaving business in Lyon in the middle of the 16th century and made it possible to move from arm strength to less effort thanks to electric machines.
However, this sector declined a first time because of the economic crisis of 1929, then a second time when post-war needs were not met. Thus, the Bouix factory closed in 1971, and the buildings were razed in 1984.

A district called “Les Cités” illustrates the importance of this activity, since it was built by the Bouix factory in order to house its numerous workers in these small houses in a double row.



3. Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel, nature side

– Diversified fauna and flora: thanks to its marshy geology and varied climate, Saint-Sorlin-de-Morestel is home to diverse fauna and flora. Spanning 79 hectares, the marshes represent 15% of the municipality's territory and are a haven of peace for nature lovers, with rare and protected species.

– The picnic area: In the immediate vicinity of the town hall, this small area equipped with tables and a basketball backboard is perfect for a relaxing break with family or friends.