Rue Bournes

Did you know Rue Bournes in Lyon was once a quiet country lane? Now, standing here, you can see how the city has grown around it. Rue Bournes begins at Rue Henri Gorjus and gently slopes down to Rue Philippe de Lassalle. It’s a fascinating blend of old and new. Look east, and you’ll see the tranquil Croix Rousse neighborhood with its charming houses. Look west, and the modern city rises up with its towering buildings from the 1980s. The north side of Rue Bournes is quite green. Several older houses sit behind their gardens. There’s also a large modern residence, another one tucked away in a park, and a grand old house converted into apartments. The south side feels more urban, lined with small, simple old houses. These houses are one or two stories high. Their neat row is broken by the gardens of houses built further back. A single house and a gas station mark the western end of the street. Rue Bournes itself is named after Joseph Bournes. He was born in Lyon in 1740 and died in Saint Didier au Mont d’Or in 1808. Bournes designed furniture for King Louis XVI and essentially created a style of his own. He was also a member of the Lyon Academy. Originally, this street was called Passage Benoit. The name was changed to Rue Bournes in 1912. The street was created in the late 19th century, when this area was still rural. It follows the path of an old road that existed in the late 18th century. Today, you’ll find a mix of old and new architecture along Rue Bournes, reflecting the history and evolution of this part of Lyon. It is more than just a street. It’s a testament to Lyon’s growth and changing times.