Villa Gillet, Historic villa in Croix-Rousse district, Lyon, France
Villa Gillet is an Italian-style residence in Lyon featuring varied building heights, low-slope roofs, and horizontally oriented façades decorated with painted friezes. The property spans several hectares with terraced grounds equipped with balconies, and includes a former caretaker's house and stable buildings alongside the main villa.
Architect Joseph Folléa designed the residence between 1911 and 1913 for the Gillet family, who transformed textile manufacturing through innovative silk-dyeing methods. The property was built during a prosperous period of Lyon's silk industry and reflects the wealth of these industrial innovators.
The villa now operates as an international center for contemporary writing, hosting literary festivals, author readings, and cultural discussions throughout the year. Visitors encounter writers and participate in conversations about current literary topics.
The property is accessed from rue Chazière with entrances from multiple street approaches, making orientation straightforward. The extensive grounds allow for leisurely exploration and connect to an active cultural program with rotating events and activities.
Lyon initiated a restoration project that collects historical photographs from 1911 to 1980 to document architectural details for preservation. This photograph collection allows visitors to trace subtle changes in the building over decades.
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Lyon offers photographers many opportunities beyond the usual routes. This selection leads through different city districts and shows both historical and contemporary subjects. In Vieux Lyon you'll find narrow streets and hidden passages between old buildings, while Croix-Rousse reveals workers'...
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