Louhans

In the heart of Bresse Bourguignonne, surrounded by 3 rivers that are the Seille, the Solnan and the Vallière, Louhans-Châteaurenaud offers an exceptional gastronomic, architectural and historical heritage.
A medieval town with 157 arcades which form the main artery, it offers numerous shops on each side of the cobblestones.
At the entrance to the Grande Rue, the house of the bailiff, the oldest house in the city, has a very typical interior and facades. It is the only building listed as a “Historic Monument”.
The Hôtel-Dieu with its exceptional apothecary, containing a unique collection of Hispano-Moorish earthenware pots, is a visit not to be missed.
The “History and Culture of the Deaf” museum in the same place is just as magnificent.
At the municipal museum, you can discover the Museum of Printing, unique in France, as well as works by artists such as David or Jean Cocteau.
Near there, the old defense tower of the city, the Saint-Pierre Tower, is rehabilitated in place of exhibition.
Do not miss the Saint-Pierre church and its roof in varnished polychrome tiles, its gargoyles and its colorful stained glass windows.

The city is very famous for its Monday morning market which has existed since the 13th century, one of the largest in France. It goes from the Place du Champ de Foire to the Arcades. A crowd of onlookers and merchants invade the center. The Grande Rue, with its arcades, is closed to traffic. The clothing market takes place at this location. The squares around the Saint Pierre church are adorned with all colors. It is pleasant to stroll along the stalls. Delicious scents emanate.

Finally the poultry market, located on the places of Charity and the Fairground, attracts curious and traders for its local atmosphere. The market presents a large choice of poultry, notably Bresse poultry but also geese, ducks, rabbits and even goats depending on the season. An organic market is held on rue de la Grenette while the farmers’ market is located near the Halle. It is absolutely necessary to taste the market dish, the Veal Head as well as the Corniottes, specialty of the city. On Easter and Whit Monday, this market takes place as follows: food and poultry market in the morning only, clothing market all day.