Villefranche-sur-Saône [key], town (1990 pop. 29,889), Rhône dept., E central France, on the Morgon River. Its industries include weaving, cotton dyeing, and the manufacture of clothing and metal goods. The town is also a river port and the trade center for Beaujolais wine made in the region. Villefranche-sur-Saône was founded in 1212 and became capital of Beaujolais in the 14th cent. Points of interest include the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Marais (12th–16th cent.) and several Renaissance houses.
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