Hidden in a backyard courtyard in the heart of Lyon, France, the city's smallest house has finally regained its former glory after an extensive renovation project. The tiny 183-square-foot dwelling underwent a complete transformation in May 2025, bringing new life to what was once a neglected micro-habitat that now awaits its future tenants.
The ambitious renovation project was undertaken by Camille Thouvenin, who decided to tackle the challenging work with help from a friend. What makes this story particularly remarkable is Thouvenin's career transition from video games to real estate renovation - a dramatic shift that didn't intimidate the determined renovator, especially after being laid off in May.
"This construction project was more of a source of motivation than anything else. I experienced it as therapy. It was even better than antidepressants," Thouvenin joked about his experience. Just one week after losing his job, the young handyman threw himself into the renovation work on the small house, which he had purchased as part of a rental investment strategy.
This project marked a significant milestone in Thouvenin's renovation experience. "This is my third renovation, but it's the first time I've really gotten my hands dirty," he explained, indicating his growing expertise and hands-on involvement in the construction process. The transformation represents not only a physical renovation of the property but also a personal journey of reinvention for the former video game industry worker.
The completed renovation of Lyon's smallest house demonstrates how creative urban housing solutions can breathe new life into forgotten spaces. The micro-habitat now stands ready to serve as a unique rental property in one of France's most desirable cities, showcasing the potential for innovative approaches to urban housing challenges in dense city centers.
