A mysterious cross stands on Rue de Montribloud. Its concrete surface bears the name of Saint Joseph’s missionaries and the enigmatic date December 940. This unassuming street in Lyon marks the boundary between Lyon and Tassin. Only its eastern side belongs to Lyon.
Rue de Montribloud’s history is rich and layered. It begins its ascent at the intersection of Rue Marietton and Rue du Bourbonnais. The street then climbs a wooded hill. A long building called Montribloud stretches along the street from number 1 to 7. This structure seems separate from the lower part of the street. From the higher vantage point you can see the towers and buildings of La Duchère to the north. To the west construction reveals a view of Ecully. You can even spot a large house and a chateau.
The Lyonnaise side of Rue de Montribloud is intriguing. The street is home to Triangle an association dedicated to international solidarity. Their small workshop is easily identified by its orange curtains. Further up the street the Compagnons du Devoir a guild of master craftsmen has a presence at number 9. The area has seen significant changes. Two large mansions almost chateaux were replaced by the Hautefeuilles residences built around 1980. This massive apartment complex features thirteen-story buildings with attractive facades. The lower part of the street near Tassin is still developing with hotels built around the year 2000.
Rue de Montribloud holds secrets of the past. A Roman aqueduct once ran through this area. Some believe remnants lie under a concrete mound possibly beneath the mysterious cross. Napoleon Bonaparte briefly stayed on this street in August 1786. He was part of a regiment sent to quell a workers’ revolt in Perrache. The house where he stayed was demolished in 1969 to make way for the highway.
The street has been continuously inhabited since at least the Ancien Régime. Number 9 a house built at the beginning of the 20th century is a testament to the area’s history. It housed a hostel for young working women until 1988.
Today Rue de Montribloud combines old and new. Its blend of historical significance modern development and lingering mysteries makes it a truly captivating place. The name Montribloud itself may be a corruption of Mont Terrible perhaps referencing a fierce battle between the armies of Albin and Septimius Severus. This battle is traditionally placed in Caluire not here. The consequences however were devastating. Lyon sided with Albin. After his defeat Lugdunum experienced a decline losing eighty percent of its population.
The street ends with a final building. Across from this is a rounded open space with benches and flowering bushes. This quiet spot offers a tranquil end to the Rue de Montribloud a street that whispers stories of emperors workers and missionaries. A place where history and modern life intertwine.