Point du Jour

Hidden in plain sight, Point du Jour is more than just a name. It’s a neighborhood whispering stories of old Lyon. Originally a hunter’s rendezvous point, its name, meaning “break of day,” speaks to its past. Imagine hunters gathering at dawn where Place Benedict Tessier now stands, ready to embark westward. Point du Jour has evolved from a rural retreat for wealthy families to a bustling community. Yet, it retains its village charm. It’s an enclave within Lyon. Residents cherish this unique atmosphere, a world apart from the city’s hustle. Point du Jour offers a breath of fresh air, quite literally. Green spaces abound. Parc de la Mairie, Parc des Mûriers, Parc de la Garde, and Parc de Champvert offer tranquil escapes. Parc de la Passerelle, a recent addition, connects Point du Jour to Avenue Barthélémy Buyer with a striking footbridge. This park boasts a hectare of greenery, a haven for bees and nature lovers. Need a dose of culture? The Point du Jour Theater awaits. This former cinema, transformed in the 1960s, champions the concept of “permanent theater” with performances almost nightly. Point du Jour thrives on self-sufficiency. Local shops, restaurants, a bi-weekly market, and schools foster a strong sense of community. From the traditional butcher, Daniel Vessière, to the cozy Bistrot le Bénédicte, Point du Jour offers a taste of local life. The Narval Brasserie and Les Marionnettes add to the neighborhood’s unique flavor. Point du Jour’s architecture reflects its history. Grand mansions, remnants of its past, stand alongside modern residences. From the 1950s onwards, urban development transformed the landscape. Apartment buildings now share the space with the remaining villas and their wooded parks. This blend of old and new gives Point du Jour a distinct character. While well-served by buses, Point du Jour lacks a metro connection. This adds to its secluded feel. Yet, reaching West Lyon and escaping the city is relatively simple. The area boasts a wealth of educational institutions, both public and private, catering to all ages. Point du Jour, a neighborhood of contrasts. It embodies the spirit of a village within a city, a place where history meets modern life, where nature embraces urbanity.