Rue Pierre Bonnaud

In the heart of Lyon, tucked away in the Montchat neighborhood, lies Rue Pierre Bonnaud. A quiet street, it whispers stories of a bygone era, while showcasing the evolution of Lyon’s architectural landscape. Rue Pierre Bonnaud begins its journey facing 36 Cours Eugénie, extending eastward with a gentle curve and a slight incline after Rue Constant. It culminates at Place Dufraine, encountering a fork: one path descending north towards Rue Gelas, the other ascending south towards Rue Bellevue. Rue Pierre Bonnaud presents a mix of architectural styles. From individual houses nestled in small gardens to striking modern structures, the street offers a glimpse into Lyon’s changing face. At number 3, a house with a unique metal framework catches the eye. Further down, between Rue Constant and number 21, a series of five triangular houses, built in the early 21st century, stand out. Across the street, numbers 14 and 16 form a modern ensemble of wood and concrete, adorned with circular and square motifs. Beyond these contemporary homes, the north side of Rue Pierre Bonnaud transitions to apartment buildings. One features rows of balconies, while another, a more imposing six-story structure, contrasts with the street’s otherwise horizontal tranquility. An alleyway opposite Rue de Vigny provides access to Rue de la Balme. At numbers 33 and 35, another building boasts two elegant entrances, enhanced by bas-relief decorations. As Rue Pierre Bonnaud continues, it returns to individual houses on its north side. These houses, older and grander, stand as testaments to the neighborhood’s history. Across the street, a small tower leans against a long concrete block of the Condorcet school group. Its corner on Rue de Musset is marked by an octagonal stair tower. Looking west, the crest of the Monts du Lyonnais and the Cancer Research Center tower come into view. Reaching its final stretch, Rue Pierre Bonnaud takes on yet another character. The south side is dominated by a wooded park, where large oak trees rise above a wall draped in ivy and a decorative gate. Access to this hidden green space is granted via a staircase on Rue de Musset, a path winding through the small wood and emerging on Rue Massenet, facing Chambovet Park. The north side presents a row of low, one-story houses, including number 51, with its windows guarded by lion head ornaments. Rue Pierre Bonnaud honors Pierre Bonnaud (sometimes recorded as Bonaud), a Lyon-born painter who lived from 1865 to 1930. Born at 32 Rue des Asperges, he later resided at 70 Cours de la Liberté before his passing. His life and work have been documented in a book by Antoine Baton. Before bearing his name, the street was known as Rue du Clos, between Cours Eugénie and Rue Constant, and Rue Bellevue for its main section. Originally part of the Richard Vitton family estate, Rue Pierre Bonnaud was laid out in the early 20th century, after the streets in central Montchat. Today, it serves as a quiet residential street, offering a bench for contemplation and the services of a local doctor.