“Progress.” It’s a powerful word. But can a street embody such a concept? Let’s explore Rue du Progrès in Lyon. Lyon underwent a Haussmann-like remodeling in the 19th century. This transformation occurred through careful planning. Today, the city treasures wide leafy boulevards. They line the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Lyon’s history stretches back over 2,000 years. The city boasts a surprisingly homogeneous architectural character. UNESCO declared Lyon a World Heritage site in 1998. This included Vieux Lyon and the slopes of Croix-Rousse. Croix-Rousse was once home to Lyon’s silk industry. Lyon distinguishes itself not through flamboyant architecture. It impresses with consistently high-quality architecture. Its cohesive cityscape is remarkable.
Lyon is oriented along the Saône and Rhône rivers. These rivers meet in the city. Many cityscapes showcase the shores along these rivers. Squares also define Lyon’s Presqu’île. Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux are notable examples. Lyon also boasts significant churches. The Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière stands high above Vieux Lyon. The medieval old town and Croix-Rousse feature narrow streets and alleys.
Rue de la République represents Lyon in the 101cityscapes project. The Rue de la République dates from the early 1860s. Claude-Marius Vaïsse admired Haussmann’s work in Paris. He wanted to emulate it in Lyon. Rue de la République was one of three major streets created. It was part of his grand plan to improve Lyon. Today, it hosts familiar brands. Fnac and Zara are there.
Another street is Rue d’Ivry. Rue d’Ivry is closely associated with Lyon’s silk weavers. The architecture reflects this history. Maison des Canuts tells the story of Lyon’s silk weaving heritage. It showcases five centuries of trade.
Consider Place Bellecour. The name also refers to the road enclosing the square. Strolling here provides excellent views. You can see the equestrian statue of Louis XIV. Flower stalls add color to the street scene. Shops and restaurants line Place Bellecour. Hôtel Le Royal Lyon also stands here. Tourists often frequent this area.
Quai du Général-Sarrail flanks the Rhône River. It connects Pont Morand and Pont Lafayette. Buildings here mostly date from the 19th and early 20th centuries. They give the street a cohesive architectural style. Barges once unloaded wood and stone here. Today, people stroll in the sunshine.
Rue Édouard-Herriot connects Place Bellecour to Place des Terreaux. It passes Place des Jacobins. Six existing streets were amalgamated to create it. It was first called Rue de l’Impératrice. Later, it was renamed Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville. After Édouard Herriot’s death, it took its present name. Today, it features designer boutiques. Christian Dior and Hermès are present. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is another landmark. Its facade belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Pierre.
Boulevard de la Croix Rousse follows the path of old city ramparts. The ramparts were destroyed in 1852. A market has been here ever since. It’s Lyon’s largest market. It extends for about a kilometer. The market is held six days a week. In autumn, roasted chestnuts fill the air. A Christmas market occupies Place de la Croix Rousse. Look out for Gros Caillou. It’s a large rock thought to be a glacial erratic.
Rue des Pierres Plantées spans less than 200 meters. It’s worth visiting for its independent boutiques. Atelier Verrier Morfia and Praline et Chocolat are here. Le Livre en Pente is an old-fashioned bookstore. Charlotte Goldspink sells original paintings here.
Place Colbert hides one of Lyon’s traboules. These are hidden passageways. There are more than 400 such shortcuts. Only around 50 are accessible to the public. A six-story staircase connects 9 Place Colbert and 14 bis montèe Saint-Sébastien.
Place de Fourvière offers views over Lyon. It leads to La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. The church has four octagonal towers. The Tour Métallique de Fourvière was Lyon’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. Climb to the top for the best view.
Rue de la Bombarde is a street in Vieux Lyon. Its name might refer to a type of cannon. A bas-relief depicts one. A bombarde is also a musical instrument. The House of Lawyers dates from the 16th century. It houses a museum of miniatures and movie props.
So, does Rue du Progrès live up to its name? Perhaps it’s not about grand monuments. It’s about Lyon’s ongoing evolution. It’s about the city’s commitment to progress. It is a progress reflected in its architecture. Progress is reflected in its culture.