Does the name Pierre-Bénite pique your interest? This former commune in the Metropolis of Lyon holds a tale as intriguing as its name.
Pierre-Bénite merged with Oullins on January 1 2024. It formed the new commune of Oullins-Pierre-Bénite. Before that Pierre-Bénite was a separate entity with its own unique story.
Let’s dive into the story behind its name. The name Pierre-Bénite refers to a rock. This rock once cropped up in this very spot on the Rhone. The rock was at the bottom of the Haute-Roche hill. The first recorded mention of this rock dates back to 1339. Back then it was called Petra Benedicta.
Legend says boatmen on the Rhone would make the sign of the cross here. They did that before facing what could be a dangerous journey. The stone served as a mooring point. They would pray for a safe passage considering how dangerous travel was then. One man sealed two rings into the rock. He also carved a small cavity. He then poured holy water into it.
Between 1964 and 1967 a section of the granite rock was cut off during motorway construction. The goal was to preserve it. In 1986 it was moved next to the town hall.
Pierre-Bénite became independent from Oullins in 1869. The little village developed quite nicely after that. Pierre-Bénite was once known as the kitchen garden of Lyon. It even produced a renowned lettuce called batavia de pierre-bénite. The hospices of Lyon acquired the Renaissance property of Perron. They wanted to supply fresh vegetables to Lyon hospitals. By the late 19th century these became a sanatorium. It evolved into a modern hospital center. It is still expanding.
The town has a rich tapestry of culture and community. The Maison du Peuple is a cultural hub. It has a theater a cinema and an exhibition hall. The Elsa Triolet Media Library offers a wide range of books and multimedia resources.
Pierre-Bénite offers a variety of parks and green spaces. Georges Manillier Park hosts events such as the Music Festival. Jean de La Fontaine Park is a popular spot for picnics.
Though it is now part of Oullins-Pierre-Bénite the spirit of Pierre-Bénite lives on. It is in its history its culture and its people. Take a moment to reflect on the journey of this place. From a riverside rock to a modern town it has a unique character.