Perhaps the most unassuming streets hold the grandest stories. Today, we find ourselves on Rue Mulet in Lyon. This narrow street in the Terreaux district whispers tales of Lyon’s vibrant past.
Rue Mulet connects Rue du Président Édouard Herriot and Rue de la Bourse. Its east-west orientation makes it a convenient passage. But its history reveals much more than a simple shortcut.
Once known as Rue Montriblo or Montribloud, Rue Mulet has seen many changes. In fact, Louis Maynard described the area as a haven for vagabonds. He compared it to the Carro de Montriblo district in Paris.
The name Rue Mulet comes from a 16th-century inn. This inn was popular with mule drivers. “Mulet” is French for mule. This gives the street a charming connection to Lyon’s working past.
Interestingly, in 1661, King Louis XIV authorized horse and mule fairs in Lyon. The street’s name predates this. By 1607, the name Rue du Mulet already marked the northern part of Rue Édouard Herriot’s current location.
The street’s layout reflects its long history. The western part retains its original narrow and curved form. This is characteristic of streets from the Ancien Régime. Most facades date back to the 18th century or earlier. Look for windows with mullions at number 1. Admire the beautiful arched doorways.
However, the street’s eastern part saw significant changes. It was remodeled in the mid-19th century during the construction of Rue de la République. Also, the construction of the Ampère high school cut off the street at the east end.
The north side underwent a massive renovation around 2005. The Société Lyonnaise de Banque rebuilt its headquarters. This project retained some 1865 walls. It replaced others with concrete panels.
Rue Mulet was once a street full of taverns in the late Middle Ages. It stretched all the way to the Rhône ramparts. Today, a nightclub and a restaurant carry on that tradition of lively social spaces.
Notably, Jean-Claude Fulchiron, a deputy born in 1774, lived at number 2 Rue Mulet. Also, the father of Simon Saint-Jean, a famous flower painter, had a barrel-making shop at number 14. Further, from 1888 to 1984, the Lyon fencing society was located at number 12. Paul Valentin even invented the electric foil here.
Today, Rue Mulet presents a mix of old and new. Some doorways remain unused. An architect’s office, a bank, and an optician’s shop can be found at the street crossings. As you walk, imagine the mule drivers. Think about the taverns and the artists who once called this street home. Rue Mulet is more than just a street. It is a living story of Lyon.