Château de la Barrière

Gazing upon Château de la Barriére, imagine the grand parties hosted within its walls. Château de la Barriére stands as a testament to a bygone era of elegance and philanthropy. Built in 1910 for Jean-Baptiste Gobert-Martin and his wife, this stately castle replaced a more modest 18th-century structure. Gobert-Martin, a successful industrialist and philanthropist, owned the Grands Magasins Réaumur. He originally purchased the land, formerly a beet farm, in the 19th century. The construction of Château de la Barriére was a whirlwind of activity. Hundreds of skilled artisans and workers labored to create its refined interiors and impressive facade. During World War II, the German army occupied Château de la Barriére. After the war, the castle was bequeathed to the Salesian Sisters. Unable to maintain the grand estate, they sold it in 1972 to the Berger company. Berger established its headquarters at the Château de la Barriére and built a syrup factory on the expansive 17-hectare property. The factory operated until its closure in 2003. In 2005, the entire estate, including Château de la Barriére, was sold to a financial company. Plans were proposed for a large residential development, but the future of the castle remains uncertain. Interestingly, Château de la Barriére is mentioned in connection with the infamous Courier de Lyon affair, a historical event that unfolded nearby. The castle’s name is forever linked to this intriguing piece of French history. As you stand before Château de la Barriére, its walls whisper stories of industrialists, philanthropists, wartime occupation, and even a touch of intrigue.