Archaeological excavations in Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon: a collection of history in the center of the city

In October, during the center’s restoration project, excavations revealed remains from the Middle Ages in the heart of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon. Skeletons were also exterminated. An archaeological find in the center of the city. Archaeologists still have a few days to explore the site.

Under the square in front of the church of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon slept a whole part of the history of this town on the western side of Lyon. During the restoration project at Place Xavier Ricard, the remains were recently discovered. The oldest of these is from the middle ages.

The excavations revealed the remains of a street but also buried structures, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. Among the oldest: a silo used to store grain. “This silo was found at the base of a small building. Inside, we found small fragments of clay that help us date it. So we will know if it is from the 12th century, older or later recently”. explains Ellébore Segain, head of archaeological research at Inrap.

A few centimeters from the surface, archaeologists from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) about ten burials from the late Middle Ages are also found.

History of focus

Finally, archaeologists also found the foundations of an ancient residence with its threshold stone and a level with terracotta tiles. There were so many discoveries based in the same region, for these researchers, the thing is not small.

“It is not common to have a cemetery, a grain storage area and buildings. ensures Ellébore Segain.

These findings are surprising but not surprising. Various studies carried out in the past have confirmed that a squire had lived in this area more than 800 years ago, creating a moat, ramps and even a bell tower. Over time, a whole life was organized around the place.

These archaeological excavations are mainly aimed at providing information on the history of the city. Archaeologists record everything they can and still have a few days. The excavation campaign, which began in mid-October, will continue until the beginning of December. Once this task is complete, the ruins and remains will be covered.
“No regrets about burying it all. It’s good to know a little more about medieval history, but today we have to look to the future as well. This new place is the future, it’s a commercial boost, it’s a traffic calming and it’s a beautiful living environment in Sainte-Foy,” explains Véronique Sarselli, mayor of the LR.

The square restoration project launched by the town hall can continue to write another page in the town’s history.