Saint-Symphorien-d’Ozon combines historic buildings, viewpoints, a wetland and several circular walks or treasure hunts. The town thus reveals itself through tangible evidence of its past as well as through paths and landscapes.
History and Architectural Heritage
The Hôtel de Mélat, also known as the former town hall, is partially protected as a historic monument. The protection covers the façades and roofs, the staircase with its wrought-iron railing, the former reception room and former dining room on the ground floor, as well as the decorated gallery on the first floor. The Hôtel de Mélat was built between 1775 and 1779 according to plans by Joseph-François Desarnot.
The Église Saint-Symphorien was first mentioned in 1153 as the property of Ainay Abbey. It combines a late-medieval choir, an 18th-century nave and a 19th-century west façade. The vaulted ceilings in the sacristy and the sculpted corbels are also noteworthy.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Mariniers dates from the 15th to the 19th century and contains five protected objects. Two rare depictions illustrate traditional navigation on the Rhône, with horse-drawn tow barges, before the arrival of steamships in the 1830s. These include a sapine used since the 15th century and a cargo boat.
Local Culture
The La Villa Louvier heritage centre presents the history of Saint-Symphorien-d’Ozon, traditional crafts such as wooden clogs and textile printing, as well as the municipality’s natural habitats. La Villa Louvier also hosts temporary exhibitions of photographs, paintings and sculptures.
La Villa Louvier can be visited independently on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on public holidays. Guided tours are available by appointment for groups of 10 to 19 people. Guided tours of the old town centre can be organised for groups on request. The historical and urban-planning trail includes 26 stops.
Nature and Trails
The Les Grandes-Terres plateau is devoted to cereal farming. The Chemin de la Vautière offers numerous views over the Ozon Valley and the Greater Lyon area as far as Mont-d’Or. The hills of Crapon offer sweeping panoramic views.
The Marais wetland is one of the last five planted reed beds in the Rhône département. It is valued by ornithologists for its biodiversity and the protection it provides for numerous bird species. The Circuit des hauteurs reaches the highest point in the municipality at 304 metres.
Circular Walks and Treasure Hunts
The Gnolu treasure hunt can be completed alone, with friends or with family using a free downloadable mobile app. “À la pêche au Dauphin” is a geolocated treasure hunt through the historic centre of Saint-Symphorien-d’Ozon. The “À la pêche au Dauphin” route takes between one and two hours and is two kilometres long.
Market and Trip Planning
The Saint-Symphorien-d’Ozon market was established in 1672 and is one of the oldest markets in the region.
Anyone planning a trip to Saint-Symphorien-d’Ozon may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
