Doesn’t the name Limonest just roll off the tongue? This is Limonest a commune in eastern France. It is a place where history whispers from every stone and corner.
Limonest sits 10 km northwest of Lyon. It lies nestled in the Monts d’Or hills. The people of this lovely commune are known as Limonois.
The story of Limonest is quite interesting. Back in the day Limonest grew when it absorbed the old commune of Saint-André-du-Coin. This happened somewhere between 1790 and 1794. From 1807 to 1837 a Chappe telegraph station was in Limonest. It sat at the village entrance atop the Route de la Garde. Only its base remains today. It now supports the Croix de la Sablière.
Limonest’s coat of arms tells a tale of gold and silver. It features a gold griffin and a silver lion on a gold mountain. These are the arms of the Lyon chapter that possessed Limonest until 1789.
The Château de la Barollière stands proudly overlooking the valley. It is a quadrangular building. Four square turrets stand at each corner. Jean Maritz greatly remodeled the château after acquiring it in 1750. The state-major of the convention troops requisitioned the Château in 1793. In 1814 Marshal Auguereau used it as his headquarters to prevent the Austrians from taking Lyon. Later in 1831 Marshal Soult and the Duke of Orléans stayed here. They came to suppress the revolt of the canuts. The Château has seen many owners over the centuries. The Villiers family owned it in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Richard family followed in the late 16th century. The Marquis de Barral also owned it. Charles Antoine Pilot sold it to Jean Maritz in 1750. The Baboin family acquired it in 1810. Their descendants have kept it through the female line. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1926.
The Église Saint-Martin is another gem in Limonest. It is dedicated to Saint Martin and Saint Aldon. It was built from 1843 to 1845. Architect Bernard designed it in the neo-Roman style. Monsieur Décurel and two other Limonois donated the land. The church is built from Mont d’Or stone. The tympanum above the portal shows the symbolic lamb of the Apocalypse.
In 1960 the Portuguese community of Lyon built the Chapelle de Fatima. It is located in Narcel.
The Château de Sandar has roots in the 15th and 16th centuries. It began as a stronghold. Today it is the Sandar Institute a private secondary and higher education establishment.
Limonest has a rich collection of crosses. Ten crosses dot the commune. They are made of grey coquina limestone. One is cast iron. The oldest dates back to the early 17th century.
Limonest’s story is one of evolution. From ancient origins to a modern commune. It is a place where the past and present blend seamlessly. As you stand here take a moment to appreciate the layers of history that have shaped Limonest into the charming town it is today.