Île Barbe, River island in 9th arrondissement of Lyon, France
Île Barbe is a river island in the Saône north of Lyon that rises in the middle of the waterway. The island holds residential buildings, gardens, and public pathways that show how it has been inhabited and shaped over time.
In the 5th century, the island held an early monastery that later received a major library from Charlemagne. This monastic foundation made the place a center of learning and religious importance for the region.
The island's name comes from an old word meaning "bearded," perhaps referring to the willows that line its banks with long, drooping branches that give the place its distinctive look and character.
The island is reached by a suspension bridge at its southern end, connecting the Saint-Rambert and Caluire-et-Cuire neighborhoods. Visitors can walk the public paths freely, though some areas remain private and off-limits.
The island has separate public and private paths that never cross each other, with one route ending at a gated courtyard near Port-Saône. This strict spatial separation creates two distinct experiences for residents and visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
