Is it possible for a road to tell the story of compassion? Here on Rue du Docteur Rafin, it does. This street begins as a continuation of Chemin de Montauban. It rises on the north side of Fourvière hill. The road then heads northwest. It ends at Montée de l’Observance facing one of the towers.
Rue du Docteur Rafin winds along the hillside. One side of the street is dominated by the hill itself. The other side overlooks the Saône valley offering beautiful views. Between Montée de la Sarra and Montée du Greillon, an alley runs beneath. This alley leads to the water station. A pedestrian bridge provides access. Notice the medallion honoring Dumont, a pioneer of the water service.
After a wooded area above a wall, the first curve reveals three old houses. They stand side-by-side. These two-story houses include a niche with a small figure on the last building. These houses belong to the house for the blind. A second house is being built behind. A high wall hides gardens. Across the street, vegetation spills over a long stone wall on the slope.
At number 17, a house angles inward. It creates a bend in the street. Two building sections are joined by an impressive portal. A garden wall connects it to a two-story house. Balconies face bushes and woods.
The hillside was hollowed out to create space for a large seven-story building. This 1960s-style structure includes garages curiously placed under one floor. Opposite this building, a road descends into the woods. It connects to Montée de l’Observance.
The road climbs slightly past older houses on the hillside. A first pair of houses faces each other around a courtyard. A second pair sits above a wall. Three three-story buildings compensate for the gentle slope. A pretty door marks number 31.
Three lower houses continue the alignment. The last house curves with Montée de l’Observance. Across the street, a gap offers incredible views. See the Défilé de Pierre Scize and Lyon spreading out behind.
Rue du Docteur Rafin is named after Doctor Jean Pierre Maurice Rafin. He was born in 1859 in Cornillon-sur-Sèze. He died in 1942. Doctor Rafin is honored for founding the house for the blind at number 1. This followed the Maison Saint Odile at 14 Chemin de Montauban. He was a surgeon at Saint Joseph. He was also a chief physician at Les Charmettes. In addition he was president of the Lyon branch of the military wounded relief. A plaque remains with the former name Chemin du Greillon.
This street existed in the 16th century. It was already built on the hillside. In the 18th century, it was the road from Vaise to Fourvière. It was lined with buildings between two fortification walls. Aside from the large building and some villas, all the houses are old.
The Maison des Aveugles Saint Raphaël is still active. A plaque indicates that Father Lucien Côté lived there. He lived there from 1947 until his death on July 9, 1996. He dedicated his life to the blind in houses supported by Doctor Rafin. The association Grillon et Cigale sends children on vacation.
Archaeological surveys at number 10 Rue du Docteur Rafin discovered a section of aqueduct. This aqueduct likely carried water from sources on Fourvière hill. It would have supplied the public baths of Ulattius. The aqueduct is still preserved in the lower part of the property.
As you walk along Rue du Docteur Rafin, consider the lives of those who lived and worked here. The street reminds us of the dedication of Doctor Rafin and others who cared for the vulnerable.