Down Rue de Bélissen slopes a 15% descent. This Lyon street starts at Rue Pierre Valdo curving north. It ends opposite the buildings at 84 Rue de la Garenne. The street’s northern side is in Lyon. The southern side belongs to Francheville. Rue de Bélissen is a fascinating blend of old and new. It’s a historical pathway. Its current population is relatively recent though. It continues to grow denser.
Imagine yourself standing at the top of Rue de Bélissen. You see a fence. Behind it lie modern houses. These were built in the early 21st century. They are part of a housing development around number 8. The facades are clad in wood. Further down the hill are individual houses. They face south. They are nestled into the hillside. Some deep plots serve two houses. Lower down the trees hide the houses from view.
On the Francheville side to the south the street continues. Similar houses line the street at first. Then comes a large estate. At the bottom are small business buildings. These are in the Parc du Chater business park. Businesses here have Francheville addresses.
Rue de Bélissen’s name is a tribute to the Bellissen family. They owned land in this area. A Bellissen family tomb is in Loyasse. Among those buried there are Jean Bellissen. He died serving France on October 7 1915. Another is Doctor Victor Bellissen. He was a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Before it was Rue de Bélissen it was called Chemin du Pont d’Alais.
The Chemin de Bellissen existed even before the French Revolution. While the path is ancient the houses along it are relatively new. The area is developing continuously. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of Rue de Bélissen. It is a peaceful street in a vibrant city. A reminder that Lyon’s history and future exist side-by-side. A unique blend of the past and present.