Rue Chazay

Gazing up at the sky, have you ever noticed how a seemingly ordinary street can hold centuries of stories? Rue Chazay in Lyon is just such a street. Rue Chazay begins at Commandant Charcot Street. It ends at Pierre Valdo Street, at its intersection with Garenne Street. It’s a mix of architectural styles, reflecting the ebb and flow of life in this vibrant city. At number one Rue Chazay, you’ll find a grassy plot. Number two is a large, two-story collective house. As you stroll further along Rue Chazay, the houses shift to individual homes. Each one is nestled in its own small garden, showcasing a variety of styles. Some are low-slung, others rise to one or two stories. Past the intersection with Vincent and Henriette streets, a more uniform style emerges. Many of the houses on Rue Chazay feature a broad triangular roof covering a second story. This second story typically has a single window beneath a wider first floor. Number 17 stands out with its unique small tower, a quirky touch amidst the prevailing style. Rue Chazay is named after a landowner. Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the Abbot of Ainay also held the title of Lord of Chazay d’Azergues. This connection adds a layer of historical intrigue to this quiet street. The parish of La Plaine was established on Rue Chazay in 1937, in a humble chapel. This marked a turning point for the surrounding neighborhood, spurring its development. In 2016, a shop and workshop called Balkanica graced Rue Chazay. Run by Bruno Villedieu, it specialized in the repair and sale of accordions, bandoneons, concertinas, melodicas, and harmonicas. This eclectic mix of instruments adds a final, musical note to the story of Rue Chazay.