The Crémieu Fresco

This fresco is split into three levels to be read from bottom to top and from left to right.

At the bottom level on the left you can see a travelling merchant. In the Middle Ages, merchants passed through on their way from Lyon to Savoie, or between Switzerland and Italy, making Crémieu a busy trading hub.

On the right is a turkey salesman. Turkeys are a local speciality and Crémieu has hosted an annual turkey festival since 1786.

On the second level is a busy-looking cooper and a merchant who appears to be bartering with the help of his scales. Next to them, a minter makes coins, reminding us of the economic importance of Crémieu between 1337 and 1554 when the mint existed.

Finally, a grain merchant can be seen on the right. Indeed, Crémieu's market hall played an influential role in the price of grain.

On the third level, a textile worker occupies the left-hand section.

The textile industry flourished in the 18th and 19th century, with the production of hemp and wool.

Next to him, the farmer with his scythe represents a large proportion of the population, both in Crémieu and the surrounding area.

To his right, a winegrower reminds us that vineyards covered the local hillsides from the 17th to early 20th century.

Then comes the butcher, in the act of killing a pig, followed by illustrations of the leather industry. A street in Crémieu was named "Rue des Adobeurs" (which means "Tanners' Street") as far back as the 14th century.

The top level of the freso depicts more recent trades connected with modern-day tourism: waiters, market gardeners (a reference to the typical market held every Wednesday in the market hall), a computer representing today's communication sector, a mountain-biker who reminds us of the numerous trails to explore around Crémieu and, last but not least, a chef who represents the catering businesss.