Barbe Island, the island jewel of Lyon

L’Île Barbe, is a historic oasis nestled in the heart of Lyon, on the serene waters of the Saône. Prepare to delve into a past rich in discoveries and soak up the tranquility of this island gem.

History and Heritage

Barbe Island takes its name from the Latin "barbara", meaning "wild". It houses the remains of an abbey dating back to at least the 5th century. Plundered several times, particularly during the Wars of Religion, it experienced periods of prosperity, notably under Carolingian rule. Protected by an enclosure with two gates, it was once dominated by the Châtelard, a fortified building partially rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Notre-Dame church retains its bell tower and remains of wall paintings, while the main church, Saint-Martin-et-Saint-Loup, lost its nave in the 19th century. The island also houses other historic buildings, such as the remains of the Saint-Anne priory and the 17th century Provost's Palace.

This historic part is unfortunately inaccessible to the public. Two buildings are classified as historical :

  • The Notre-Dame church, which retains its bell tower and remains of wall paintings (see reference).
  • Le Châtelard, a fortified building partially rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries (see reference).
On the references of the listed sites, you will be able to discover a gallery of captivating images that will immerse you in the heart of their history and architecture. Carefully selected photographs will allow you to admire the fascinating details of these historic sites.

Natural setting

The part just under the bridge is public. Let yourself be enveloped by the serenity of the green banks of the Saône that surround Île Barbe. Enjoy a peaceful getaway far from the hustle and bustle of the city, where the song of birds and the murmur of water soothe you. A walk along the quiet paths of the island will offer you a breathtaking view of the river and its surroundings.

Lyon 9th - Barbe Island - Place Notre-Dame - View from the bridge
Place Notre-Dame – View from the bridge

Our self-guided tours of Brotteaux

The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.

The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.

Welcome to the Gare des Brotteaux. Please note that there used to be a small wooden and plaster station, built in 1858 to accommodate the Lyon-Geneva line.

Welcome to the former Guimet Museum, a place rich in history and artistic diversity.

You are in front of an astonishing scene where past and present meet. Observe the 19th century villa enclosed in an office building.

Welcome to the Sainte-Croix Chapel, also known as the Missionaries of Our Lady Chapel.

Stop in front of number 28 avenue maréchal Foch, where you will find a real curiosity: the smallest house in the city.

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Map of the must-sees

Rosa Mir Garden

The Court of the Voracious

Bellevue Square

The Gardens of the Grande-Côte

Place des Jacobins

Chapel of the Trinity

Saint-Georges district

The Basilica of Ainay

Saint-Nizier Church

International City

Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Saint Bonaventure Church

Statue of Saint Exupéry

Saint-Antoine Food Market

St. John's Cathedral

Hotel-Dieu of Lyon

The traboules of Old Lyon

Printing Museum

The Museum of Confluences

St. Peter's Palace

The Bartholdi Fountain

The Fresco of the Lyonnais

The painted walls

Merciere Street

Lyon Opera

Light Institute

The Confluence

Old Lyon

Golden Head Park

Place des Terreaux

Bellecour Square

The Gadagne Museum

The Canuts' house

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Banks of the Rhone

Museum of Fine Arts

The Paul Bocuse Halls

Our Lady of Fourviere

The Banks of the Saône

Climbs of the Croix-Rousse

Brotteaux district

Lyon Aquarium

Barbe Island

CHRD - resistance museum

Brochier Silk Museum

Guignol Theatre of the Park

Little Guignol Museum

The House of Guignol

Mini World Lyon

The Cinema Museum

Fourvière Museum

Subsistences

Other places

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Pierre Bossan

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