A long low building. That’s the first thing you notice on Rue de la Cité. It’s the Jouvet College. Its courtyards are visible from the street. Rue de la Cité in Lyon. It’s a street with a story. A story of transformation and connection.
The Rue de la Cité didn’t always exist. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century. Before that it was part of Rue du Docteur Dolard. This street extends from Villeurbanne into Lyon. In 1910 Doctor Dolard himself lived nearby. He resided at 7 Cours Lafayette.
The street’s name evokes a sense of community. A ‘city’ within a city. The area near Place Albert Thomas in Villeurbanne was already built by the end of the 19th century. It was then known as Cité Lafayette. Rue de la Cité became a vital link. A connection between Villeurbanne and Lyon’s urban fabric.
As you walk along Rue de la Cité you’ll see a mix of architectural styles. There are older houses. Then there are newer buildings like the five-story building at number 26. This building has interesting square extensions. They cover the hallways and form balconies. One house even still has its garden.
Further down. You see a shift towards office buildings. On one side of the street they rise. The other side has older houses. An old workshop and a six story residential building. These show the evolution of Rue de la Cité. The street reflects Lyon’s dynamic history. Its growth and change over time.
The renovations around 1980 shaped the street’s current look. Today Rue de la Cité is home to various businesses and services. Llopis a chocolate and candy maker is here. Office buildings fill the southern section. College Jouvet brings activity with its students.
Around the corner at Rue Gillet. You find associations related to plastics. There is a training center as well. Art lies further north in Villeurbanne at the Institute of Contemporary Art. The Armenian Catholic parish and other organizations are located on Rue du Docteur Dolard.
Rue de la Cité. It’s more than just a street. It’s a testament to the growth of Lyon. It’s a blend of past and present. It’s a vibrant artery in the heart of the city. A place where history education and community come together.