“This street was once a country lane” That’s how our story of Rue Chazière begins. Can you picture it a quiet path meandering through the countryside? Rue Chazière in Lyon’s 4th arrondissement boasts a rich history. It’s more than just a street. It’s a living testament to Lyon’s evolution. Named after Jean Chazière a prominent Lyonnais who lived from 1821 to 1885. He left a lasting legacy. He donated his large house bordering the impasse to Lyon. The house became the Adolphe Favre boarding school an orphanage for girls. He also established the Jean Chazière Foundation. This foundation awards prizes to scientists and artists. His generosity extended to the Museum of Fine Arts. He left a significant bequest. This bequest helped the museum acquire a Gericault painting. Before its renaming it was known as Rue des Missionnaires. This reflects its early association with religious communities.
The street’s character has changed over time. Large estates and religious communities once dominated. After mid-20th century construction reshaped the area. High-rise buildings emerged. Many older houses remain though. The street now accommodates cars. The 1935 Chalumeau plan proposed extending Rue Chazière towards Caluire. This extension was envisioned as a coastal boulevard. The plan was never fully realised. The street today offers a blend of old and new.
Walk along Rue Chazière and you’ll notice beautiful views of the Monts d’Or. Notice the architectural variety. Modern buildings sit alongside classic pavilions from 1884. These belonged to the IUFM a teacher training institute. Individual houses also line the street. Some lovely houses stand at numbers 47 and 48. One has a slate roof the other tiles. At number 51 admire the beautiful brown frieze decorated with vases. Number 61 leads to Parc Chazière a large public park. A large brick house is under construction at number 19. A fifteen-story building stands opposite. Number 34 displays a carved Holy Family. At number 65 a beautiful Virginia creeper covers the house. The corner of Rue Ferré features a building completed in 2021. It has horizontal lines of white balconies.
In 2022 a gilded Virgin Mary appeared on a large house. This house is part of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception. The northern end of Rue Chazière is an impasse. Here an eight-story building stands opposite a large house. This house serves as the Favre boarding school. A beautiful house with a wooden roof structure is also present. The street narrows near house number 92. It widens again near the entrance to the Chazière crèche and the Jardin des Gones. These are additions to the boarding school. The entrance to the Jardin d’Ypres offers views of Vaise and La Duchère. A large garden lies beyond.
Rue Chazière is a place of contrasts. It blends history and modernity. It’s a street where the past and present coexist harmoniously. The story of Rue Chazière is a story of evolution. It’s a story of transformation. It’s a story still being written. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Let the street’s rich history speak to you. What stories do you think these buildings hold?