The Crémieu Market Hall

Historic site and monument

38460 Crémieu

The market hall is an outstanding example of late medieval architecture. It was built in 1434 according to an analysis of the timber framework.

As early as the 14th century, when construction of the lower town began, a new market took shape. It was in 1434 that the market hall was built to house it.

With its imposing dimensions—61 meters long by 19.50 meters wide—this market hall is one of the largest in France. Its oak framework supports a roof area of 1,200 m², which weighs over 400 metric tons of lauzes—flat limestone slabs that were a traditional building material in the Middle Ages. This weight is due to the fact that the slate tiles are not mechanically fastened to the framework but are layered to a thickness of 15 to 20 centimeters. This is the “à la crémolane” laying method!

Since its inception, this market hall has hosted markets and fairs featuring various types of goods. You can also notice the hitching rings for livestock and, on the southeast side, the old stone grain measures called “auges.”

In the Middle Ages, the market hall also served as a market for regulating grain prices. It was the local Wall Street, the hub of economic and social life. These “auges,” which are stone containers, were used to measure grain. The basic unit of measurement used until the Revolution was the bichet, which held 19.5 liters.

The market hall also served as a grain warehouse. This explains the numerous openings in the side walls and the roof. Indeed, to prevent the grain from fermenting, the air must be constantly circulated. This also allows for better lighting.

In the early 1990s, the hall underwent a complete restoration of its slate roof. Currently, it is under the supervision of the DRAC, and the next phase of construction will involve reinforcing its roof structure.