Maison forte de Bron

Nestled in the heart of the Rhône department, in the charming commune of Bron, lies the Maison forte de Bron, a remarkable relic of the feudal era. As the only remaining feudal vestige in Bron, this fortified house offers a fascinating glimpse into the medieval past and the evolution of architecture and society over the centuries.

The Historical Tapestry of Maison forte de Bron

The history of the Maison forte de Bron is as rich and intricate as the tapestries that once adorned its walls. The story begins in 1248 with Josselme, the lord of Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon and Bron, who commissioned the construction of this fortified house. In 1260, Ysnard de Bron, a former canon in Lyon, took over as lord of Bron, followed by Jean in 1369 and another Jean who paid homage to Dauphin Louis in 1413.

The lineage continued with Catherine, the heiress of Bron, who married Jean de Buirin. Upon becoming a widow in 1594, she bequeathed the lands of Bron to her nephew, Gaspard de Laube, who was also the lord of Beaumont and Saint-Trivier. Gaspard's son, Louis de Laube, and later Jacques, a knight in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, inherited the title of lord of Bron.

In 1739, André Emmanuel, a former captain in the Picardy regiment and the great-grandson of Louis, became the lord of Bron and Saint-Trivier. Upon André Emmanuel's death in 1754, his daughter Gabrielle inherited the estate. Gabrielle, the widow of M. de Révillat, lord of Colonne, was succeeded by her younger sister Marie in 1780. Marie had married her cousin Jean-Henri de Laube, a knight and count of Saint-Jean, in 1739. The estate then passed to their daughter Jeanne Antoinette in 1780, who married Louis, marquis de Leusse, in 1765. The marquis and marquise were arrested during the French Revolution, but the marquise managed to escape and hide under the name of widow Pèche. The family of Laube's lineage ended with her death in 1831.

In 1936, the Berliet family purchased the property. Later, a real estate group divided the house into apartments, transforming it into a condominium.

Architectural Marvels

The Maison forte de Bron, erected in the 13th century, is a testament to medieval architecture. The estate once covered the areas of Croix and Rafour. A defensive wall surrounded the building, and a round tower with a conical roof stood at the southeast corner of the property. A long rectangular building was attached to this tower, extending to the south pavilion.

The main building, almost square in shape, consists of a ground floor and two upper floors. It is topped with a four-sided tile roof and flanked by two smaller pavilions to the south and east. Over the centuries, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, renovation work, including the addition of openings, transformed the feudal dwelling into a bourgeois house.

Exploring the Maison forte de Bron

Visiting the Maison forte de Bron is like stepping back in time. As you walk through the ancient gates, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. The sturdy walls, which have withstood the test of time, tell tales of the lords and ladies who once called this place home.

One of the highlights of the Maison forte de Bron is the round tower, a quintessential feature of medieval fortifications. Imagine standing in the tower, looking out over the estate, and envisioning the landscape as it was centuries ago. The long rectangular building, which once served as a functional space, now adds to the historical charm of the estate.

Heraldic Symbols

The Maison forte de Bron is also known for its heraldic symbols. The de Laube family crest features a golden deer leaping over a silver rock, set against a blue background. The de Leusse family crest displays two silver pikes back-to-back on a red field, with three gold Maltese crosses in the corners.

A Modern Transformation

In the 20th century, the Maison forte de Bron underwent significant changes. The Berliet family, known for their contributions to the automotive industry, acquired the property in 1936. Later, a real estate group divided the house into apartments, transforming it into a condominium. Despite these modern changes, the Maison forte de Bron retains its historical essence and continues to be a cherished landmark in Bron.

Conclusion

The Maison forte de Bron is more than just a historical building; it is a symbol of the rich heritage of Bron and the Rhône region. Its walls have witnessed centuries of history, from medieval times to the modern era. A visit to this fortified house is a journey through time, offering a unique glimpse into the past and the enduring legacy of the families who once called it home. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking to explore a piece of France's cultural heritage, the Maison forte de Bron is a must-visit destination.