Once upon a time Rue des Cerisiers was a cherry tree lane. It occupied the space of a cherry orchard belonging to the Montchat estate. This charming street Rue des Cerisiers is one of the short connections between Rue du Docteur Long and Rue Ferdinand Buisson. It begins as an extension of Rue de l’Eglise. It ends opposite the Aubépins bus stop. The two successive porches of the Aubépins group encourage pedestrians to continue their walk towards Rue de la Balme.
Rue des Cerisiers is more than just a pretty street. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Richard Vitton family. They owned the large estate. This estate was divided and subdivided many times. Rue des Cerisiers was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. This was after the second subdivision of the Richard Vitton estate. Imagine the transformation. From a blossoming cherry orchard to a quaint street. The quiet residential street became a small part of a bigger story. The story of the development of Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement.
The street’s architecture is noteworthy. Number 1 boasts a beautiful white house with a garden. Further down is a workshop. The rest of Rue des Cerisiers is lined with small houses. The house at number 6 is particularly appealing. It has a wrought iron balcony. Numbers 9 and 11 form a lovely pair. At the western end stands a summerhouse. A charming end to a charming street.
Rue des Cerisiers also played a role in art and literature. The novelist Marie Chaix wrote Juliette chemin des Cerisiers. It is unclear if she was referring to Rue des Cerisiers. It is possible the reference is to her childhood home. Her childhood home was in a Rue des Cerisiers in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune. She shared that home with her sister the famous singer Anne Sylvestre. Anne Sylvestre was born in Lyon and passed away in 2020.
Today Rue des Cerisiers has a car repair shop. The street remains a quiet residential area. It continues to be a hidden gem in the heart of Lyon. A testament to the past and a charming present-day street. A visit to Rue des Cerisiers offers a glimpse into the history of Lyon. A beautiful street steeped in history. Its story is one of transformation. A story of a family a lane and lasting charm.