Did you know that Rue Jean-Marie Duclos in Lyon holds a secret? It’s a private street a hidden passage connecting Rue François Genin to Rue Pierre Valdo. A barrier guards its entrance. Rue Jean-Marie Duclos is part of the Point du Jour district. It’s a quiet place. It is a little-known treasure.
Imagine strolling down Rue Jean-Marie Duclos. You’ll see six lovely one-story houses. The street bends south. It leads to Impasse Rostand. Another alleyway connects to a small parking lot. Two small apartment buildings stand nearby. A second alley leads to one of them.
Rue Jean-Marie Duclos is lined with individual houses each nestled in its own small garden. About ten houses stand on each side. The street opened sometime in the 1930s.
The history of Rue Jean-Marie Duclos is filled with poignant stories. During World War II number 6 offered temporary refuge. The Taussig family found shelter there. It was a precarious refuge. Only Alice reached the United States. The rest of the family perished at Auschwitz.
The name Jean-Marie Duclos remains a mystery. Jean Louis Duclos is better known. In 2022 he served as the Consul of Norway. Danielle Faynel Duclos significantly contributed to developing public transportation services for the disabled in Lyon. She now has a street named after her in Lyon. Antoine Duclaux born in Lyon in 1783 died there in 1868. He painted scenes of Lyon including views of the Perrache races and artists along the Saône. His works can be seen at the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Rue Jean-Marie Duclos is more than just a street. It’s a quiet reminder of Lyon’s past. It’s a blend of serene beauty and hidden historical significance. It’s a place where history and the present intertwine. Next time you are in Lyon remember Rue Jean-Marie Duclos. It awaits your exploration.