Rue du Port du Temple

Hidden in plain sight, Rue du Port du Temple whispers tales of a forgotten Lyon. This narrow, curved street in the 2nd arrondissement, running from Place des Jacobins to Quai des Célestins, holds a history richer than its modest appearance suggests. Rue du Port du Temple was once known as Rue Écorche-Bœuf, a name that hints at a rather gruesome past. Imagine a time before paved streets and gas lamps, when the area around Rue du Port du Temple was a bustling port on the Saône River. Every year, a bizarre festival known as the “Feast of Marvels” took place. A live bull would be thrown into the river from the Pont de Pierre, its current carrying the unfortunate animal to the very spot where Rue du Port du Temple now stands. There, the bull would be slaughtered, its hide flayed, hence the chilling name Écorche-Bœuf, meaning “flay the ox”. This macabre celebration continued until 1347 when its excesses led to its ban. But Rue du Port du Temple’s story doesn’t end there. The Knights Templar, the enigmatic order shrouded in legend, were among the first to occupy this area in the Middle Ages. Their presence gave the street its current name, officially adopted in 1854. The Temple in question was a substantial domain, later sold to the Duke of Savoy in 1315. Later, the Célestins, a monastic order, took over the property until 1779. Fast forward to modern times, and Rue du Port du Temple finds itself at the heart of Lyon’s planned low-traffic zone, scheduled for implementation in June 2025. The street has seen recent renovations, including repaving in 2024. Yet, just months later, it faced further construction, a testament to the ongoing evolution of this historic area. From ritualistic bull slaughter to modern urban planning, Rue du Port du Temple has witnessed centuries of change, silently observing the ebb and flow of Lyon’s vibrant history.