Belleville, former commune in Rhône, France
Belleville is a small town in the Rhône department situated along the Saône River. It consists of old stone buildings with tiled roofs, narrow streets, and squares marked by medieval walls and a church dating to the 1100s.
The region was settled in prehistoric times, as shown by ancient tools found near the river, and later became the Roman city of Lunna. In the Middle Ages, the rulers of Beaujeu built defensive walls and Notre-Dame de Belleville church, which still stands today.
The name Belleville comes from French, meaning "beautiful town". Today you can see this heritage everywhere: narrow streets, old stone buildings, and a central square where locals gather and markets have taken place for generations, keeping community traditions alive.
The town is easily accessible by car and sits about 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Lyon; public transportation is available with a train station in town. You will find small shops, cafes, and restaurants serving traditional dishes made with local ingredients.
Notre-Dame de Belleville church holds medieval paintings alongside a modern liturgical altar designed by a renowned artist. This unexpected blend links ancient art with contemporary design in a way that surprises most visitors.
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