La halle de Crémieu
Discover this monumental medieval market hall! With its oak frame and 400 tons of flagstones, it was the economic heart of the town. Among its stone troughs and harness rings, immerse yourself in the history of this unique historical market.
From the 14th century onwards, when the construction of the lower town began, a new market was established. It was in 1434 that the market hall was built to house it.
This market hall, with its imposing dimensions of 61 meters long by 19,50 meters wide, is one of the largest in France. Its oak frame supports a roof area of 1200 m², representing a weight of over 400 tons of lauzes, flat limestone slabs, a traditional building material in the Middle Ages. This weight is due to the fact that the lauzes are not mechanically fixed to the frame but layered in a thickness of 15 to 20 centimeters. This is the
"Cremolane-style" installation!
This market hall has housed markets and fairs since its inception, offering a variety of goods. You can still see the hitching rings for livestock and, in the southeast section, the old stone grain measures known as troughs.
In the Middle Ages, the market hall also served as a price regulator for grain. It was the local Wall Street, the crossroads of economic and social life. These troughs, which are stone containers, were used to measure the grain. The basic measure used
Until the Revolution, the bichet was used. It was worth 19,5 liters.
The hall also served as a grain warehouse. This explains the numerous openings in the side walls and roof. Indeed, to prevent the grain from fermenting, the air must be constantly circulated. This also allows for better lighting.
In the early 90s, the market hall underwent a complete restoration of its slate roof. Currently, it is
under the supervision of the DRAC and the next construction project will consolidate its framework.
The weekly market on Wednesday morning is an unmissable gourmet event in the city.
Rankings & Labels
- Listed historic site and monument
Themes
Location details
- In the city
- In the historic center
Visit
Language(s) of the visit
Audio guide language(s)
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
- Guided individual tours on request
Group visit services
- Unguided group tours permanently
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
Open every day, all year round. Free access.
Prices
Free
Services
Equipment
Services
Home animals
Accessible tourism
Linked offers
On site:
La maison de Martinas dite des Trois Pendus
Historical site and monument
Related to:
Course d’orientation et trail nocturne : Bol d’Air Night 2026
Bookable online. From €10 per adult.
November 14 , 2026
