The market hall

Les Halles or covered marketplace in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne were originally build in 1440 and were rebuilt in 1670 after a fire destroyed them. The structure measures 80m by 20m and a market is still held there every Saturday morning.
After being destroyed by fire in 1670 Les Halles were rebuilt to the original design thanks to the diligence of the then mayor of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, Philibert Collet and the generosity of the Countess of Châtillon, Melle de Montpensier who was known as the ‘Grande Demoiselle’. The countess was a cousin of King Louis XIV and through her good offices the king allowed the people of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne to take all the timber necessary for the reconstruction work from the surrounding forests.