Les Amis de Lyons
Les Amis de Lyons (Friends of Lyons) is an association founded almost a century ago to preserve and share the history, cultural legacy and heritage of Lyons-la-Forêt, a small Norman town east of Rouen.
Over the years, we have hosted regular local lectures in the 18th-century bailiff’s court by French curators, historians, and collectors. These evening talks are open to both members and non-members. Among the association’s annual highlights are a concert and an end-of-year dinner gala. Both are supported by ticket sales and fundraising. The annual concert is held in late September in the 16th-century church of Saint Denis and showcases talented young musicians. The dinner gala is a festive celebration of French gastronomy, culture and friendship.
More recently, we have partnered with regional cultural initiatives, such as the Rencontres Gabriel de Broglie in the chateau de Bois-Héroult. We have also supported local heritage conservation projects, such as the restoration of the two portraits in the town hall’s courtroom.
In 2021, Les Amis de Lyons are hosting several special projects to celebrate Gustave Flaubert’s bicentennial. All six projects have been certified by Flaubert 21 and will highlight the Norman writer’s legacy.
Membership of Les Amis de Lyons is open to all, residents and non-residents. It is structured as a not-for-profit “association d’intérêt public”. Donations are tax-deductible if you are a resident and pay taxes in France (within the limits set by the French tax laws). To find out more, please click HERE or e-mail us at contact@lesamisdelyons.com.
Lyons-la-forêt
Lyons-la-forêt - At the heart of the Duchy of Normandy’s history
The town is nestled in the Lyons forest, the largest beech forest in France (over 27,000 acres). Its architecture bears witness to the town’s history, from the 12th-century remparts to the 16th-century Saint-Denis church, the 17th-century market hall or the 18th-century neo-Norman houses. The town has been certified the coveted “plus beau village de France” label.
It was founded by Henry I of England, (a.k.a. Henri Ier Beauclerc, 1068-1135), son of William the Conqueror. A keen hunter, he loved the forest and is reputed to have died in his Lyons fortress in 1135, laid low by a “surfeit of lampreys", one of his favourite dishes. Another illustrious Anglo-Norman figure was Richard I of England (1157-1199), the legendary Richard the Lionheart, who enjoyed spending time in Lyons. Richard I is also remembered for building the nearby Chateau Gaillard, an impressive castle overlooking the Seine river and its valley, as he battled incursions by King Philippe-Auguste’s troops to capture the Duchy’s rich lands.
The “Forêt de Lyons” served as royal hunting grounds for generations of French monarchs, attracted by its ample game and its vast expanses. Nowadays, the forest offers great hiking, riding or cycling, as well as wonderful opportunities to observe nature and the local wildlife.
Lyons-la-forêt - At the heart of Normandy’s cultural heritage
Music, literature, cinema, fine art: Lyons-la-forêt prides itself upon having welcomed illustrious artists and creators over centuries. One of its most famous sons was the 17th-century poet and writer Isaac de Benserade, who grew up in Lyons and became a protégé of Cardinal de Richelieu, Mazarin and Louis XIV. Isaac de Benserade competed with the likes of Corneille and Molière, in an ever-fierce battle of wits to win royal and aristocratic patronage in Versailles.
Ancien couvent des Bénédictines et remparts.
Another notable resident was the composer Maurice Ravel, who came here at the end of the First World War to recover his strength. He stayed with his “wartime godmother” Madame Dreyfus, whose charming 18th century house is now known as the “Maison de Ravel”. During that time, he put the finishing touches to one of his greatest works, the “Tombeau de Couperin”, a suite for solo piano.
Paul-Emile Pissaro, youngest son to the famous painter Camille Pissaro, bought a house here in 1924. His godfather Claude Monet, who had been his art and gardening mentor since childhood, helped design the garden. The surrounding countryside inspired some of his beautiful artworks, including the painting of the Church of Saint Denis completed in 1930.
More recently, two of France’s greatest film directors, Jean Renoir and Claude Chabrol, were each so inspired by Lyons-la-forêt that they chose it as the location for their renditions Gustave Flaubert’s famous novel Madame Bovary. In fact - in a rare case of life imitating art - the fountain that today graces the town’s main square was originally a plasterboard prop on Claude Chabrol’s movie set; after the movie was completed, the town elders decided it looked so appropriate that they had a stone version installed.
Stories and anecdotes about Lyons-la-forêt abound. Click HERE to ask about membership details and upcoming events, or to subscribe to our (free) newsletter.
If you would like to come and discover Lyons-la-forêt, check the Vie Locale page (button below). You will find useful links to organise your stay.