Town hall of Balan

The Town Hall of Balan (Mairie de Balan) serves as the seat of local government for the small commune of Balan, located in the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, about 5 km southeast of Montluel and 25 km east of Lyon. The building stands on Place de la Mairie, right in the heart of the village, and handles municipal services for the residents, known as Balanais and Balanaises.

Where is Balan and what makes it worth a stop?

The commune covers roughly 18 km² on the edge of the stony Valbonne plain, in the natural region known as the Côtière, close to the banks of the Rhône. Balan is home to more than 3,000 residents today, making it one of the larger communes in this part of the Ain department. Its proximity to Lyon has turned it, over recent decades, into a residential and industrial satellite of the metropolitan area, while the historic village center has kept a distinctly rural feel.

What is the history behind Balan and its town hall?

Balan is an ancient settlement, with roots tracing back to Gallo-Roman times: sarcophagi from that era have been unearthed locally, along with roof tiles and pottery fragments that point to continuous occupation of the site since antiquity. During the Middle Ages, the village is thought to have served as the river port for the lordship of Montluel, hinting at its early commercial importance.

The biggest turning point in the commune's social life came in 1872, with the establishment of the La Valbonne military camp. The camp's main entrance, its garrison chapel, and most of the barracks housing troops sit within Balan's boundaries, covering roughly 423 hectares — an enormous footprint for such a small commune, and one that reshaped the local economy and the working lives of its residents for generations.

A second major shift came in 1965, when a large chemical plant producing polyethylene and vinyl chloride opened in Balan, originally under the Elf Aquitaine group. The plant now operates under the Arkema brand (part of the Kem One group) and remains one of the area's principal employers, bridging Balan's agricultural past with a modern chemical industry present.

What else is there to see around the town hall?

Close to the town hall, the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste stands as the commune's main religious landmark. Another point of interest is the former chapel at the so-called Maison forte, a onetime fortified residence that today houses a restaurant run by a local rural family training school (maison familiale rurale) — an unusual pairing of historic architecture with an active educational and dining function. Within the grounds of the former military camp, the garrison chapel also survives, a reminder of the village's military past.

The town hall itself is not a nationally listed monument, but it functions as a natural starting point for visitors, offering information on local events, heritage sites, and walking routes through the Côtière countryside and the Rhône valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which department is Balan in? Balan is located in the Ain department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, not far from Lyon.

What is Balan known for besides its town hall? The commune is known for its ties to the former La Valbonne military camp, a chemical plant now operating under the Arkema brand, and traces of Gallo-Roman settlement found in the area.

How far is Balan from Lyon? Balan sits about 25 km east of Lyon, making it a convenient base for exploring the metropolitan area.

Are there any heritage sites worth visiting in Balan? Yes — besides the town hall, visitors can see the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the former Maison forte chapel, now home to a restaurant.