“Frédéric Mouisset? Never heard of him.” I imagine some of you thinking that as we stand here on Rue Docteur Mouisset. But let me tell you, his story is woven into the very fabric of Lyon.
Rue Docteur Mouisset stretches from Quai de Serbie to Avenue Foch. It ends near the statue of Joan of Arc. The street’s layout is divided into three distinct sections each with unique architectural styles.
Before we delve deeper into the story of Rue Docteur Mouisset, it’s worth noting its evolution. This street was developed in the early 19th century. For a time, it was even a part of Rue Montgolfier. Imagine a winter garden once stood here. This was before the street was fully integrated into the city.
Now, about the man behind the name. Frédéric Mouisset was born in Lyon in 1860. He lived near Place des Jacobins. Later, he resided on Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville. Most importantly, Dr. Mouisset was a specialist in tuberculosis. He led the departmental committee for tuberculosis. He also established a nursing school. Someone even told me that Dr. Mouisset treated their grandfather for a paratyphoid fever.
As you look around Rue Docteur Mouisset, notice the buildings. The architecture tells a story of different eras. Before Rue Godefroy are 19th-century stone buildings. To the north, a private mansion showcases large windows with capitals. Further along, before Rue Malesherbes, stand mid-20th-century buildings. These are taller, with nine stories. Long balconies adorn the north side. The entrance halls are well-decorated.
The final section, before Avenue Foch, features buildings from different times. There’s a structure from the 1980s. Also, there are four heavily decorated 19th-century buildings. The last one on the north side has stone balconies and faces.
Speaking of nearby streets, Rue Godefroy holds its own secrets. Number 8 Rue Godefroy is a unique Louis XIII-style building. Claude-Anthelme Benoit designed it in 1857. It sits on a triangle of land between Rue Godefroy, Quai de Serbie, and Rue Docteur Mouisset. In the 19th century, Quai de Serbie was known as Quai d’Albret.
Interestingly, Charles Payen, a silk merchant, commissioned Benoit to build a house there. It became known as Hôtel Payen. If you look closely at the fourth-floor windows, you will see that they are out of character with the rest of the building. Payen urged that the roof be put on his house immediately because the silk market had crashed and he was worried whether he would be able to continue paying for the construction of such a lavish edifice.
Charles Payen was one of the main benefactors of the Église de la Rédemption, which lies a few streets away and can be seen directly from corner of Rue Godefroy and Rue du Docteur Mouisset.
So, as we conclude our walk on Rue Docteur Mouisset, remember Frédéric Mouisset. Remember his dedication to fighting tuberculosis. Remember the architectural blend of different eras. The story of Rue Docteur Mouisset is a reminder that every street has a story to tell.