Imagine a splash of red against a green hillside. That’s the Château de la Jayère. This striking building stands in Lyon’s 9th arrondissement. It is a testament to history and beauty.
The Château de la Jayère began as a simple country house. Its story started in the mid-19th century. Clémentine de Villas d’Arnal, a woman from the Cévennes, purchased land here. She built the château for friends. These friends were Théodore Brouzet and his wife Émeline Rigotier.
Clémentine had an interesting life. She married Arthur de Cazenove in 1832. Arthur was a member of the Rhône’s general council. After Arthur’s death, Clémentine remarried in 1853. Her second husband was Jean-Alphonse Gilardin. He was the first president of the Lyon and Paris Courts of Appeal. Clémentine passed away at the Château de la Jayère.
Raoul de Cazenove, Clémentine’s son, also left his mark. He became president of the Lyon Academy of Sciences, Belles-Lettres and Arts. He married Lucie Dumas de Marveille. They had six children.
Look closely at the Château de la Jayère. You will notice its rectangular shape. The main facade faces south. It rises three levels. A balustrade adorns the terrace on the second level. The north facade features two oculus windows on the top floor. Its red plaster makes it easily visible. The roof has four corner pavilions with steep slopes.
In the southern part of the park stands a square corner pavilion. It features bicolored tiles. There is also a large terraced balustrade. A timber-framed building with lambrequins is nearby. Above the château, a neo-medieval watchtower rises. A bridge crosses a small stream.
The Château de la Jayère overlooks the Saône plain. It faces the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica. The château stands below the Duchère district. It is a beautiful sight to behold.
Though a private residence now the Château de la Jayère remains a landmark. It is a reminder of Lyon’s rich past. It is a beautiful piece of architecture. Its red facade catches the eye. The Château de la Jayère offers a glimpse into 19th-century Lyon. It offers a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped it.