Have you strolled along Rue du Mail and felt a whisper of history brush past you? Rue du Mail isn’t just a street in Lyon’s Croix-Rousse district. It’s a thread woven into the vibrant tapestry of the city’s past. Rue du Mail runs parallel to the bustling Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, offering a quieter glimpse into the area’s rich heritage. Originally called “Cours du Mail,” Rue du Mail once bordered the old city walls. The word “mail” refers to a wide, tree-lined avenue, often built on the site of former ramparts. Sometimes these avenues were used for a game similar to croquet, also called “mail.”
Rue du Mail emerged thanks to a series of developers. In 1812, Pierre Gabriel Dumenge, a local landowner, built a housing development called Clos Dumenge. This development catered to the city’s silk weavers, known as Canuts, with specially designed workshop-apartments. Dumenge’s project carved out several new streets, including Rue Dumenge, Rue du Pavillon, and, of course, Rue du Mail. The street continued to grow northward. In 1824, developer Perrin extended it. Then in 1835, Pailleron further lengthened the street to its current endpoint at Rue Pailleron.
Today, Rue du Mail showcases a mix of architectural styles, primarily reflecting its 19th-century origins. Most buildings are modest, ranging from one to three stories high. Yet some structures offer glimpses into the past, like the taller building at number 11 and the lower workshops at numbers 24 and 26. The area also retains its connection to the silk industry. Rue du Mail is part of the annual braderie, a large street sale. This event reached its peak on September 9, 1931, drawing massive crowds. The event even included the prefect and several deputies.
Now, Rue du Mail is poised for a transformation. By autumn 2024, the section between Rue du Chariot d’Or and Rue d’Austerlitz will become a pedestrian zone. The city plans to add greenery, plant trees, and lay a path of Lyon cobblestones down the center. This change aims to enhance pedestrian safety and preserve the street’s historic character. While the street will be pedestrianized, access will still be granted for morning deliveries.
Rue du Mail offers a unique blend of history and modern life. It’s a place where the echoes of silk weavers and the sounds of a bustling city intertwine. As you walk along this street, remember the developers, the Canuts, and the game that gave the street its name. Rue du Mail is more than just a street. It’s a living testament to Lyon’s vibrant past.