The Rivier

Far from the rivers, and particularly in alpine pastures, when the permeability of the soil hinders water storage, inhabitants were required to create structures to hold water. Here, the roof collects and stores rain and snow water. When full, the cistern was capable of providing several months of autonomy to maintain the livestock.

Built during the 16th century and dedicated to Sainte-Barbe, the Maison-du-Bois chapel was a place of prayer and pilgrimage up until the First World War. In 1941, with the return of the Prisoners held in Germany, the parish priest returned it to its original purpose by transferring the bell from the Saint-Sébastien du Brey church, dated 1663.  Note the presence of the monumental cross decorated with two Saints, attached to the chapel. Renovated in 2013, they originally date back to the 15th century. Next to the chapel, like a twin, an insect hotel made out of wood and brick is home to a multitude of life of all kinds.

From the heights of Maison-du-Bois, the view is open: the ridges that are visible are those of the Mont d’Or, where alpine pastures cover the summits and feed the herds of heifers in the summer. During clear weather, a jagged silhouette can be seen in the distance: these are the aiguilles de Baulmes, reaching 1,559 metres of altitude in our Swiss neighbour’s territory.

Along a main roadway, these adjoining houses form a “building front”. The main facade of these dwellings faces the public road. Here, you may observe different sized openings depending on the use of the building: stables, barns and houses.  At the back of these houses, the private gardens often overlook the meadows.  The roof overhang is supported by gabled walls and is often complemented by a gallery for drying wood, peat and crops.