Lost in thought I found myself standing at the entrance of Rue Douaumont. This quiet street in Lyon’s 9th arrondissement holds a secret history. It’s one of Lyon’s most isolated streets. It’s nestled at the tip of the Saint Rambert hill. The street is secluded by the grounds of the Jean Perrin boarding school. You can access Rue Douaumont from Rue Pierre Baizet. There’s also a pedestrian path from Rue de Saint Cyr.
Rue Douaumont’s charm lies in its unique architecture. Old houses with beautiful door frames line the street. A small apartment building sits above a grassy slope. It offers stunning views of the Vaise plain. The southern side continues past the Residence Sainte Anne. This large stone house has a beautiful veranda added. The street forms a loop. The first part runs south between houses. Most are double houses with two different roof slopes. At the back it curves in front of a four-story building. An alley descends the eastern hill to serve an older pointed-roof house. The loop serves four similar buildings one set back. Facing them are double houses slightly lower down. To the north the loop turns in front of the wall of the Residence la Dargoire. This is the Jean Perrin high school’s boarding school. Two buildings and a large square house are visible beyond.
A path runs between two buildings. It’s next to a sports field. The path is paved and descends into a wooded area. Small trails crisscross. It’s a nearly wild space. This is rare in Lyon. A small bridge crosses the Arche stream. The path leads to Rue de Saint Cyr.
Rue Douaumont’s name is a poignant tribute. It’s named after Douaumont a village in the Meuse. It’s 500 kilometers north of Lyon. Douaumont was one of the martyr villages of the Battle of Verdun in 1916. The Douaumont fort was a symbolic place. The street’s buildings are more recent. Some houses existed in the 19th century perhaps around a dead end. The current buildings and loop were constructed around 1960. Individual houses followed a few years later. The apartment buildings are each named after one of the Monts d’Or. Two names Vallon and Choisy seem fanciful.
The Residence Sainte Anne is a retirement home. It’s a vital part of the community. Rue Douaumont’s residents sometimes feel isolated though. The pedestrian path to public transport down Rue de Saint Cyr can be impassable in winter snow. This quiet hidden street tells a story of resilience and remembrance. It’s a reminder of the past and a testament to the enduring spirit of Lyon. It’s more than just a street. It’s a place with a story.