Rue Henriette

Hidden in plain sight, Rue Henriette in Lyon whispers stories of resilience and resistance. Rue Henriette isn’t grand or imposing. It’s a quiet street, starting at Rue Georges Martin Witkowski and leading southwest to Rue Chazay. Beyond that, it transforms into Rue Jean Louis Vincent. The street is lined with the walls of individual houses, nestled amidst their gardens. Close to Rue Witkowski, you’ll find Allée Henriette, a private cul-de-sac. It curves gracefully and ends in a fork, around a small parking area for residents. These houses, about fifteen in all, were built from a similar blueprint: a large ground floor and a narrow upper floor tucked under a large triangular roof. Over time, each homeowner has added their own personal touch. The name “Henriette” likely honors the wife of the area’s developer. This piece of Lyon’s history dates back to the late 19th century, when the larger Champagne estate was broken up. The houses themselves appear to be mid-20th century constructions, though they could be older. During World War II, number 6 Rue Henriette housed the Savoye family, active members of the Resistance. They hid weapons, sheltered Jews and those fleeing forced labor, and even wrote and distributed underground publications. Marcelle Savoye, the mother, used her position as director of the school on Rue Vernay to further aid the Resistance movement. Her daughter, Jeannine, born in Lyon in 1924 and deceased in 2020, was arrested for her involvement but later honored with the Legion of Honor. Her story was featured in a 2021 heritage exhibition. Today, the residents of Allée Henriette have posted numerous signs promoting courteous behavior. Rue Henriette may not be on the typical tourist trail. But it offers a poignant glimpse into Lyon’s hidden history, a testament to the courage and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times.