Rue de la Filature

Can you hear the hum of machinery? It’s a ghost of the past, a memory woven into the very fabric of Rue de la Filature. This street, right here in Villeurbanne, whispers tales of spinning threads and industrious hands. Rue de la Filature, or “Spinning Mill Street,” owes its name to a rich industrial heritage. A schappe (silk waste) factory, established in 1898 by Jean-Louis Villard, marked the beginning of this area’s manufacturing legacy. It was the first schappe factory in Lyon, setting the stage for Villeurbanne’s industrial growth. The street’s name, already in use by 1902 as seen on old city maps, solidified its connection to this early industry. Over the years, Rue de la Filature witnessed a changing landscape. In 1956, the Richard brothers, specializing in agricultural tractors, took over the former spinning mill site. Later, in 1999, Société Mécanique de Villeurbanne (a Renault subsidiary) became part of Auto Chassis International (ACI). The ACI factory, recently demolished, stood as a modern testament to the area’s continuing industrial character. However, echoes of the past remain. Five art deco buildings from the old ACI site still stand, three of which now house “La Filature,” a creative hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and community groups. This revitalized space provides affordable studios and workshops, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity can flourish. Rue de la Filature is more than just a street. It’s a thread connecting Villeurbanne’s past and present, a reminder of the industry that shaped its identity, and a testament to the enduring power of reinvention.