Rue Bony

Did you ever hear of a dressmaker who inspired a street name? Here on Rue Bony in Lyon, the legacy of Jean-François Bony, a silk designer and embroidery merchant, is woven into the very fabric of the neighborhood. Rue Bony begins near Boulevard de la Croix Rousse, stretching northward to meet Rue Philippe de Lassalle. It’s a broad street designed for modern traffic. But imagine this street in the 19th century. Horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians would have been the main traffic. Mr. Bony, with his fashionable designs, would have been a familiar sight. He lived and worked on Quai de Retz, now known as Quai Jean Moulin. One of his stunning Empire-style gowns is even displayed at the Musée des Tissus. Rue Bony itself has seen quite a transformation, especially in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, the street is lined with trees, giving it a verdant feel, enhanced by the setback residences and their gardens, especially on the north side. Large individual houses stand at the street’s entrance on the west side. Further down stands the wall of the Trinitaires convent, punctuated by its ornate gate. Modern residences, some reaching twelve stories high, rise beyond Rue Chazière. The Trinitaires have a history here, too, establishing themselves in 1711. They initially provided refuge for orphans and gradually expanded their property. If you visit their convent near the start of Rue Bony, you can perhaps reflect on the evolving character of this area. It’s a blend of old and new, much like the contrast between the historic silk trade and the contemporary architecture found along Rue Bony.