Rue des Contrebandiers

Deep in the heart of Lyon, a narrow, winding path beckons. This is the Rue des Contrebandiers. It’s a place where whispers of illicit trades and daring escapades still linger in the air. The Rue des Contrebandiers, or Smugglers’ Street, earns its name from a time when Lyon was encircled by walls. These walls were not just physical barriers. They were also fiscal boundaries, enforcing taxes known as octroi. Goods brought into the city were subject to these duties. This made them a prime target for those seeking to avoid the tariffs. Imagine the clandestine activities that took place under the cover of darkness. The soft clinking of bottles, the muffled rumble of barrels rolled along the steep incline, and perhaps, even the hurried footsteps of smugglers making their escape. The Rue des Contrebandiers was ideally situated for such illicit activities. It was close to the city’s edge and offered a concealed route away from the watchful eyes of the tax collectors. Before 1870, the Rue des Contrebandiers was a poorly maintained path. It was steep and featured a deep stream running through its center. This seemingly insignificant stream played a dramatic role during the siege of Lyon in 1793. It served as a natural trench for attackers. The violence of these clashes is evidenced by the large quantity of bones found in a nearby garden. Today, the Rue des Contrebandiers retains much of its original charm. The steep incline remains, and parts of it are even made up of stairs. A small underpass allows passage beneath the Avenue du 25e RTS. It’s a reminder of the street’s hidden past, a secret route nestled within the vibrant city of Lyon. The upper part of the Rue des Contrebandiers once extended further up the hill, crossing the Chemin de la Piémonte and reaching the Fort de la Duchère. Today, a wall bearing the date 1865 stands as a testament to the street’s longer history. So, as you walk along this unassuming path, remember the whispers of the past. Imagine the smugglers who once trod this very ground, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. The Rue des Contrebandiers is more than just a street. It’s a portal to a bygone era, a hidden gem in the heart of Lyon.