- 5-6 place Rouville, Lyon 1
- What you see
- What you need to know
Maison Brunet, also known as the "house with 365 windows", is a building in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon's 1st arrondissement. Its fascinating history is closely linked to Claude Brunet, a merchant manufacturer who shaped this iconic building. Claude had an ambitious dream: to build a house intended for the rental of apartments for the workers of Lyon.
Yet, despite his efforts, workers often preferred to live on the Croix-Rousse plateau, then separated from the city of Lyon, because they paid much less tax there. Despite the obstacles, Claude Brunet pursued his project with determination.
The Brunet House, a living testimony to his ambition, was built between 1810 and 1825, on land purchased by Claude at Clos Saint Benoit. He wanted to represent in this building the divisions of the year and the sign of the times. But the realization of his dream put him into debt and he died in poverty.
The architecture of the house is remarkable. Rectangular in shape, it follows a unique concept based on the numbers of the calendar: 365 windows to symbolize the days of the year, 52 apartments for the weeks, 7 floors for the days of the week, and 4 entrances and interior staircases for the seasons.
During the canuts' revolt in 1831, the Brunet house was the scene of tumultuous scenes. Transformed into a fortress, it sheltered the insurgents who put up fierce resistance to government forces.
During the second insurrection, two years later, the Brunet house almost got bombed. Fortunately, thanks to the negotiations led by Father Pierre Pousset, priest of the Saint-Bruno des Chartreux church, the bombing was avoided.
Today, Maison Brunet remains a symbol of resilience and history. Its remarkable architecture and eventful past make it a must-see during your visit to Lyon.
- Archive images
