An Interesting Bit of History of the Region: l'Île Barbe

 

A View of  l'Île Barbe Today

The history of l'Île Barbe is deeply intertwined with the history of Lyon and the broader region of Gaul. The island's name, derived from the Latin "insula barbara" or "Barbarians' Island," suggests its early occupation as a refuge for Druids and other early inhabitants of the Saône banks. As an island in the Saône River, it provided a certain amount of natural defense and actually became an ideal location for a monastery.

The island's monastic establishment dates back to the 5th century. It was the first monastic establishment in the Lyon region and one of the oldest in all of Gaul. Charlemagne visited it and gifted it with a beautiful library. The monastery, later an abbey, adopted the Rule of Saint Benedict in the 9th century and gradually became quite wealthy. In the year 816, Louis the Pious awarded the monastery the right to maintain boats upon the Saône, the Rhône and the Doubs rivers and to be exempt from taxes for passage. In 861, Charles the Bald confirmed a decree of immunity and protection for the monastery. In 1549, the abbey was secularized and became a college of canons. The college of canons was replaced in 1741 by an establishment for aged or infirm priests. At the Revolution, everything remaining on the island was sold and dispersed.

A Map of the Monastery and the Island

Despite its decline, l'Île Barbe remained a significant place of pilgrimage and cultural importance. In time the island became a protected site with a public part and a private part, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and the legacy of its past. We have enjoyed strolling through the park on the island, looking at the remains of the monastery, gazing at the private homes there, and walking around the 16th century "The Château de l'Île Barbe" that became an upscale hotel/restaurant that is no longer in business.

Classified as a historical monument but abandoned for several years, The Château de l'Île Barbe was sold at auction for €1.35 million, twice the asking price, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Guillaume Langlois, real estate developer with the Palauma company, purchased the château.  “We are going to turn it into a hotel residence on the outskirts of Lyon," Mr. Langlois said. This exceptional property will require an estimated 3 million euros in major renovation work.  Some of that renovation work has already begun.

The Château de l'Île Beard

To be continued…