Did you know that Montessuy boasts a surprisingly high average income? Higher than the national average in fact. We’re standing in the heart of Montessuy a vibrant neighborhood in Caluire-et-Cuire. It’s a place with a rich history and a surprisingly modern feel.
Montessuy wasn’t always the bustling place it is today. Centuries ago a simple grange called Montessus stood here. Then a Lyon bourgeois Pierre Vandemore owned land and a house here. He bequeathed it to the Hu00f4tel-Dieu. They used it as a country house. The name Montessuy itself meaning dry mountain hints at its origins. It is thought to come from the Franco-Provençal adjective ‘essui’ meaning ‘dry’.
But Montessuy’s most visible legacy is the Fort de Montessuy. Built in 1831 it was part of Lyon’s defenses. The fort served as a barracks and training ground. After World War I it became the site of new housing. Sadly two children Jean Turba and Bernadette Choux were killed here by German soldiers in 1944. An alley is named after them. Their story is a stark reminder of the neighborhood’s history.
Today Montessuy is home to almost 7000 residents. It has a low unemployment rate. Its population is diverse. Its economic profile is strong. Montessuy offers a range of amenities. These include numerous shops restaurants and even a small shopping center called Carru00e9 Montessuy. There’s even a municipal swimming pool and a skatepark near the fort.
The fort itself is still there. Its moats are filled. Nature is reclaiming parts of it. Though you can’t visit the inside several associations use its buildings. The area is a lovely green space. It offers a peaceful contrast to the busy life around it.
Montessuy is more than just a neighborhood. It is a community with a story. Its past is intertwined with the city of Lyon’s history. Its present is marked by growth and prosperity. Its future is full of possibilities. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. You are standing on rich ground.