Long before Lyon’s bustling heart existed Vaise held its own story. This northwest corner of Lyon nestled on the Saône’s right bank has witnessed millennia of history. Vaise’s very name whispers of ancient roots. Some say it derives from the Roman family Vesia who owned a local estate. Others suggest it means “vase” alluding to its flood-prone past. Still others claim it relates to Vacua “empty zone” reflecting its long periods of uninhabited land.
From prehistoric times Vaise was occupied. Archaeological digs reveal evidence of Paleolithic flint tools. Neolithic settlements flourished. A large Bronze Age establishment existed in the south of Vaise. The area of Gorge de Loup provides further evidence of habitation. Even earlier discoveries in the impasse des Jardins area indicate Mesolithic and Neolithic occupation.
In the Roman era Vaise became a suburb of Lugdunum. Potters glassmakers and other artisans thrived here. The remarkable treasures of Vaise found near the Grande rue are displayed in Fourvière’s Gallo-Roman Museum. Roman agricultural activity is also evident with a large villa uncovered at Gorge-de-Loup. The Romans created a road alongside the Saône removing part of a rock barrier at Pierre Scize. This road split becoming major routes to Paris. The aqueduct of the Monts d’Or bypassed Vaise providing water to Fourvière.
Through the Middle Ages Vaise remained a vital Saône river port. Its strategic position at the crossroads of two major routes from Paris reinforced its importance. Vaise served as Lyon’s northern outpost with the Ile Barbe abbey. The Abbey housed Charlemagne’s library. A sanctuary dedicated to Baudile of Nîmes was built in 878. Later it was replaced by Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens. The yearly Feast of Wonders held at Saint-Jean involved the clergy of Lyon processing from Vaise to the Ainay abbey.
By the 13th century Vaise’s boundary with Lyon was defined. To protect Lyon’s northern approach the Archbishop built the Pierre Scize fortress. This strong point controlled the narrow passage of Pierre Scize. The fortress became a royal prison. Vaise slowly grew into a small settlement but agriculture remained dominant. The Château de la Duchère was built nearby by the Varey family.
The Renaissance brought significant change. The Hospital of the Two Lovers established in the 12th century became a Franciscan convent. Vaise’s fortifications were strengthened. The town expanded around the Church of Saint-Pierre. Wealthy Italian families built grand villas and homes adding to the area’s charm. The Grande Claire a famous Florentine villa is just one example.
The 18th century saw Vaise’s agricultural nature strengthened by the creation of the Royal Nursery. Large estates remained. The roads leading to Paris were improved. The Place de la Pyramide (Place Valmy) the point where the routes converged was created. The population grew. Industries started to diversify including a major cannon foundry.
The French Revolution was greeted enthusiastically in Vaise. However during the Siege of Lyon Vaise found itself in the middle. The annexation of Vaise to Lyon in 1852 marked a turning point. The development of Vaise’s railway station followed. Vaise’s history continues to this day transformed by industrial expansion urban development and modern amenities. This rich history breathes in every corner of Vaise.