Villefranche‑sur‑Saône stands as the southern capital of the Beaujolais wine region, making it a natural base for vineyard visits and tastings. The historic centre stretches along Rue Nationale, lined with Renaissance houses, hidden courtyards and façades referenced in the town’s “hidden treasures” heritage circuit. The Collegiate Church of Notre‑Dame‑des‑Marais, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, blends Romanesque and Gothic elements and anchors the old town with its vaulted interior and stained glass. Local culture extends into the Paul‑Dini Museum, which presents Rhône‑Alpes art from the 19th century to today, while the Marché Couvert brings regional produce into a lively Art Deco setting.