High above the Saône River’s bend sits Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or. Its charm is undeniable. This isn’t just a village. It’s a living tapestry woven from Roman threads. Centuries of history are embedded in its very stones.
Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or’s story begins long ago. A Roman town. Its streets still echo the rhythm of Roman legions. Evidence remains. A Roman officer’s bust was found near Chavannes. A bronze of Tiberius near La Chaux. A testament to the enduring legacy of the empire.
The Middle Ages saw monks cultivate the land. They cleared forests planted hedges. These eventually gave way to bourgeois walls. Powerful families shaped Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or’s destiny. The Mont-d’Or the Collonges the Tourvèon and the Chavannes families left their mark. Disputes arose. In 1183 a papal decree solidified the church’s ownership of Saint-Nizier. A century later a lawsuit erupted over a fishing weir. It threatened a boatload of willow branches. These were bound for the vineyards of a Collongeard named Vignat.
By the 19th century Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or thrived. The arrival of trains and steamboats transformed the village. It became a favored spot for wealthy Lyonnais merchants. They built grand mansions. Styles varied greatly reflecting their individual tastes. The construction of a new church in 1842 sparked controversy. The old church in Vieux Collonges was abandoned. Its bell was removed. This caused significant tensions among the villagers. But Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or’s most famous establishment grew out of this era. Paul Bocuse’s family’s restaurant L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges. It eventually earned worldwide acclaim.
The 20th century brought modernity to Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or. Water systems sewage and public lighting modernized the village. Industry expanded in the Varennes plain. Vineyards and market gardens decreased. New housing developments reshaped the landscape.
Today Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or maintains its unique character. It’s a blend of ancient history and modern life. Explore its Roman foundations. Stroll its charming streets. Marvel at the architecture. This is Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or. A place where the past lives on. A place worth discovering.