Rue Jean Renoir

This unassuming street holds a cinematic secret. Welcome to Rue Jean Renoir in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement. Rue Jean Renoir isn’t old. It appeared in the 1990s. Before that Rue Jeanne Hachette ended in a dead end. This new street provided an outlet. All the buildings here were constructed around the year 2000. The college Gilbert Dru was built later in 2005. Rue Jean Renoir is named after the famous French filmmaker Jean Renoir. He was born in Paris in 1894 and died in Beverly Hills in 1979. His films are still shown at the Institut Lumière in Lyon. The connection between Jean Renoir and Lyon isn’t immediately obvious. However his films continue to be celebrated here. Rue Jean Renoir is wide. It offers ample parking spaces. The north side is dominated by the College Gilbert Dru. This long concrete structure unites four two-story buildings. The corner where it meets Rue Jeanne Hachette is rounded. It’s a striking blend of concrete and translucent glass. On the south side stand two large apartment blocks. They are eight and seven stories high. Their slanted roofs reflect the slope of the street. A wide alley separates the buildings. It connects to Rue du Dauphiné. This is Rue Jean Renoir a modern street. It’s a tribute to a cinematic giant. It silently echoes the legacy of Jean Renoir. The street’s contemporary architecture contrasts sharply with the timeless appeal of his films. Yet the street’s very existence is a testament to his enduring influence on French cinema. Walk along Rue Jean Renoir. Imagine the stories that unfold here. Each building a frame in a silent movie. Each car a passing character in the ongoing narrative of Lyon.