Let’s step back to the 19th century, the era when Rue Saint-Fulbert was created. This street in Lyon’s 8th arrondissement is part of the Monplaisir district. Rue Saint-Fulbert begins at Rue Saint Gervais. It continues from Rue Santos Dumont in one stretch. The street ends at Rue Saint Maurice. It faces number 39, slightly offset from Rue Trouilhet.
Cars typically travel west on Rue Saint-Fulbert. Imagine the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages. They roll along the street, past the buildings.
On the south side, the street starts with a low house. Its door is decorated with leaves. Next is another house with a small window. Then comes one with two floors and an overhanging timber frame. The side ends with a garden wall. Tall trees rise above it.
The north side begins with two three-story buildings. A small house follows them. Next, is the garden of a larger building, set back from the street. The street ends between rows of buildings. The north side buildings are simple. The south side has nooks and entrances under columns.
Saint Fulbert was the bishop of Chartres from 1006 until his death in 1028. He rebuilt the cathedral after a fire in 1020. He also founded a well-known school.
The Monplaisir area was dedicated to the developer’s favorite saints. That is why this street carries the name of Saint Fulbert.
Rue Saint-Fulbert was built during the Monplaisir development. This happened around the mid-19th century. The area did not develop quickly at first. Some houses are old. Buildings around number 15 and 17 were built about a hundred years earlier. Most of the other buildings were constructed around the year 2000.
If you want to explore more of Lyon, Rue Saint-Fulbert is accessible. Bus lines 1E, 69, C12, C25, and C7 can take you there. The closest metro station is Sans Souci. It is a short walk away. Tram lines T3 and T4 also provide access.
Next time you are in Lyon, take a stroll down Rue Saint-Fulbert. Imagine the lives of those who walked here before us. Think about the street’s namesake. Consider the history of this unique Lyon street.