Hidden behind two imposing portals lies Passage Mas. This unassuming passage in Lyon holds a fascinating history. It connects Rue Marietton and Rue du Bourbonnais. One portal faces the side of a modern media library. The other sits beside an old house and workshop. Further down you see a 21st-century building. The archway on Rue Marietton is quite beautiful. It reveals small low white angular buildings typical of the early 20th century.
Alphonse Mas owned the land where Passage Mas now stands. He was a significant figure in French horticulture. He published books on orchards fruits and vines. He also presided over the French pomological society. He died in Bourg en Bresse in 1875. The area around Passage Mas grew denser in the early 19th century. Passage Mas was opened during that period. It’s a testament to Lyon’s development.
In 2017 a plaque announced a physiotherapy practice within Passage Mas. The passage’s quiet atmosphere belies its historical significance. It’s a glimpse into Lyon’s past. Imagine the footsteps of Alphonse Mas himself echoing through these very stones. Perhaps he strolled here admiring the growth of his city. Picture the silk workers hurrying through this passage. They carried bolts of silk. They connected different parts of Lyon’s bustling textile industry.
Passage Mas is more than just a passage. It’s a living link to Lyon’s history. It subtly reminds us of the city’s evolution. The passage exists within the everyday life of Lyon. Yet it encapsulates centuries of change. The quiet portal hints at stories. These stories are both personal and monumental. They are part of the rich tapestry of Lyon’s past.