The Barbe Island is situated in the middle of the Saône, in the 9th district of Lyon, Saint-Rambert-l'Île-Barbe (old town annexed in 1963). Its name comes from the Latin insula barbara, "unspoiled island".

Last updated date : 15/04/2023
Free access to the island.
L'Ile Barbe Ile Barbe Ile Barbe - 69009 Lyon 9ème

An abbey was founded on the island in the fifth century. This is the first monastic establishment in the Lyon region and one of the oldest in Gaul. Charlemagne dowry of a beautiful library. The monastery, pillaged several times (in 676, 725 and 945), adopts the rule of St. Benedict in the ninth century and gradually gains strength, before being devastated and burned in 1562 by the Protestant troops.
In 1827 a suspension bridge was built, spanning the island at its southern tip, to connect with the right and left banks of the Saône, the villages of Saint-Rambert (now Lyon 9th) and Caluire-et Cook.
Mecca of Lyon legends, the island hosts Barbe curious walkers as it once greeted druids and Christians.

A few people live now on the island and it is a place privileged habitat. It consists of a public part (the clay courts for playing pétanque, a large plot of lawn, a set of games for children) and his private part has two paths (the Saint-Loup stalemate along the Auberge du Bas and path leading to Port-Saône). These two paths do not join the Saint-Loup impasse ending a private courtyard enclosed by a gate.

There is a private area but it cannot be visited.

Useful tips

Openings
  • Free access to the island.
Prices
  • Free of charge

L'Ile Barbe

Ile Barbe Ile Barbe - 69009 Lyon 9ème

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