Once upon a time, Crèpieux-la-Pape was not just a part of Rillieux-la-Pape. It was its own entity. Let’s dive into the story of this unique place.
Crèpieux-la-Pape is now a district within the city of Rillieux-la-Pape. But it wasn’t always this way. Crèpieux-la-Pape once stood alone. It transitioned from being part of the Ain department to the Rhône department. Later it became part of the Lyon Metropolis.
Originally the hamlets of Crèpieux and La Pape depended on the parish of Rillieux. Even from the earliest records these villages were linked. As communes were established Caluire tried to claim these hamlets. Discussions and deals lasted from 1790 to 1795. Eventually the hamlets were divided between Rillieux and Caluire.
In 1883 residents tied to Rillieux formed their own electoral section. This ensured representation on the municipal council. Representation was proportional to the population of the two hamlets.
In 1927 Crèpieux-la-Pape became its own commune. This was driven by François Canellas. He became its first mayor. Like Rillieux the new commune was part of the Ain department. It also belonged to the canton of Montluel.
In 1958 the Rillieux-Crèpieux priority urbanization zone was created. It covered 120 hectares straddling both communes. Construction began in 1960.
In 1967 a law changed things. Six communes including Rillieux and Crèpieux-la-Pape were attached to the Rhône department. This allowed them to join the Lyon urban community. At that time only communes from the same department could join. The Lyon urban community was established soon after.
In 1972 the two communes unified. Facing difficulties managing a massive influx of population they merged. This formed the new commune of Rillieux-la-Pape. This change took effect.
In 2015 the Lyon urban community was replaced. It became a territorial collectivity with a special status the Lyon Metropolis.
Crèpieux-la-Pape is bordered by several areas. The Miribel canal lies to the south. Sermenaz is to the north. Neyron in the Ain is to the east. The Caluirard district of Vassieux is to the west.
The Gare de Crèpieux-la-Pape serves the district. It sits on the Lyon-Perrache to Geneva line.
Several notable figures have ties to Crèpieux-la-Pape. Abbé Thomas officiated there in the late 1920s. Georges Lamarque organized Resistance actions from the Château de Crèpieux. The high school at the château now bears his name. François Canellas mayor from 1927 to 1941 is considered the founder of the commune.
Today Crèpieux-la-Pape may be part of Rillieux-la-Pape. But its history as an independent commune remains. Its story is woven into the larger tapestry of the region. Remembering its past helps us appreciate its present.