Amidst the gentle slopes of Caluire-et-Cuire sits the elegant Maison La Rivette. This isn’t just another house. It’s a story etched in stone and whispered through the leaves of its magnificent gardens. Maison La Rivette’s tale begins long before its current grandeur, as far back as 1635 as a modest country house. Imagine just four rooms spread across two floors, a simple dwelling alongside a bustling stable. Over time, the property evolved. By 1669, vineyards and willows graced its grounds. The true transformation into the pleasure house we see today happened in the mid-18th century. This was when the distinctive French façade was constructed. Terraced gardens were laid out, and an ingenious hydraulic system was installed.
Maison La Rivette boasts a square floor plan. A grand staircase leads to the western façade, a striking display of nine bays stretching across two stories. The central section proudly displays a triangular pediment. South of the main courtyard sits a detached chapel. Charles Merlino, one of the maison’s many inhabitants, was even buried there for a time. The gardens, once cascading down to the Saône River, feature a captivating water jet, a cascading waterfall, and an enchanting rock grotto. Monumental double staircases connect the terraces. On the east side, a charming nymphaeum borders a bean-shaped pool.
The list of owners who called Maison La Rivette home is extensive. In 1635, Claude Fevret du Chazard is recorded as the first known owner. The property then passed to Claude Ribaud. His daughter married Pierre Fautel de Laigny, an advisor to the King. The ownership passed down through their daughter, Françoise, then to the merchant Thomas Touche in 1669. The ownership changed hands several times, each family leaving its mark. In 1734, Jean-Baptiste Pitra, a goldsmith, purchased the estate. Pitra commissioned lavish renovations, possibly by the renowned architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot. Due to these enhancements, Maison La Rivette was briefly known as the “folie Pitra,” or Pitra’s folly. Later owners include Charles Merlino in 1786 and François Anginieur in 1816. Anginieur added an English-style park and an orangery. By 1922, the estate sadly fell into disrepair. Finally, in 1972, the Hospices Civils de Lyon purchased the property. Today, Maison La Rivette stands as a testament to its rich and complex history. It is a beautifully preserved co-owned property. Its legacy, from a modest country house to a grand pleasure palace, is palpable. The very stones whisper tales of the families who lived, loved, and left their mark on this remarkable place.