Just 25 kilometers from Lyon, a strange concrete building stands out against the rolling landscape: welcome to the Couvent de La Tourette. Built between 1953 and 1960 by the visionary architect Le Corbusier, this place was originally intended for religious and academic purposes: to train the Dominicans in the subtleties of theology and ancient languages. Today, the spiritual activity still exists, but it’s mainly the powerful architecture that draws visitors from all around the globe.
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An architectural UFO in the Lyon countryside
Nine Dominican brothers still live here quietly, alongside curious visitors who come for a guided tour… or an overnight stay in search of silence. Brother Pascal David, the sub-prior of the convent for the past 15 years, knows every nook and cranny of the building. He loves to share the philosophy behind this work: «Le Corbusier said that the convent is experienced from the inside. From the outside, it may seem harsh and austere. But inside, it’s a play of light, openings, and landscapes framed like living paintings.»
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One of the gems of the place is undoubtedly the dining hall, bathed in soft light and framed by openings inspired... by a musical score. The vertical concrete bars? Black, white, and notes translated into architectural language. The concrete squares? Windows into nature, varying depending on where you sit. Here, mealtime becomes a moment of contemplation.
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A must-visit site, classified as a World Heritage site
In contrast to the rest of the convent, the church impresses with its monumental presence. Heavy and grounded, with its solid walls and dark volumes, it stands in stark contrast to the rest of the building, which feels more airy. “There is a true break intended by Le Corbusier, evoking Romanesque architecture, stripped down, almost defensive,” brother Pascal points out.
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For architecture enthusiasts or just curious minds, the Couvent de La Tourette is a must-see. A UNESCO World Heritage site along with 16 other works by Corbu, it is best experienced through a guided tour (daily in summer), where every detail comes alive. This is not just a monument to be seen: it’s an experience to be lived.
Source : Le Progrès