And it’s not even a restaurant! And yet, when you look at this iconic building in the capital of Gaul, you’d be hard-pressed to find a monument that checks all the boxes for beauty and symbolism in Lyon. Last year, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region had already shone at the other flagship event hosted by Stéphane Bern. Let’s see if it will be a repeat performance!
Villa Lumière and the Hangar du Premier-Film
Beyond the architectural splendor of this magnificent Art Nouveau mansion in the Monplaisir district, Villa Lumière shines above all for its history. Together with the Hangar du Premier-Film, the complex symbolizes an important chapter in Lyon’s history as the birthplace of cinema. It was here, in fact, that the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, perfected the cinematograph that still captivates billions of people today, from Cannes to Hollywood. The complex now houses the Institut Lumière, which , just like the Musée du Cinéma, pays the most beautiful tribute to this invention—the kind that comes along only once every hundred years…
A true tour of France’s heritage
After the Château de Chantilly, which took the top spot last year, could it be the turn of Villa Lumière and the Hangar du Premier-Film? Let’s say it right away: the competition promises to be even tighter this year than in previous years. With the selection featuring Chartres Cathedral,the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Millau Viaduct (last year another viaduct was in the spotlight), we’re playing in the big leagues this year! The other monument from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is the Château de Grignan, located in the Drôme department.
But that would be to misunderstand Villa Lumière and the Hangar du Premier-Film, which are far from timid. For while the architecture may not be on par with a viaduct or a triumphal arch, the symbolism behind it is perhaps the most significant in history, and it will be up to the public to decide… Voting is open until May 22. A word to the wise!
