“A street in gentle ascent after Rue Buisson” could describe Rue Louis. This Lyon street offers a subtle climb. We begin our exploration of Rue Louis. It’s a street with stories woven into its very fabric.
Rue Louis starts facing the Rue Eugène Fournière in Villeurbanne. It ends facing the wall of 22 Rue de la Balme. A garden allows pedestrians to continue to Rue de Vigny. Urbanization began here around 1858. The Richard Vitton estate covered 78 hectares. This area was then divided into lots.
The street opens between the cut angles of two building flanks. After Cours Richard Vitton, the street makes a slight bend. This bend gives irregular angles to the two overhanging buildings. Several overhanging curves can be seen at the eastern crossings. Before Rue Antoinette, two houses remain on the west side. They stand between residences aligned with the street. These also have constructions deeper into the plots.
The École Anatole France occupies the east side before Rue Julien. Its ochre stones unite several building sections. It faces small houses in their gardens. The next section is the longest. It passes between two rows of small houses. Some have large workshop gates. The alignment is interrupted at number 32. A two-story residence from the 2000s stands back from the street. It’s accessed through a workshop courtyard at number 36.
The street changes at the intersection of Cours Long. Here, a larger building features four floors of ribbon windows. There are two workshops. One workshop has been transformed into an Evangelical church. Some individual houses with gardens are still present. The street reaches Rue Buisson between two six-story building flanks. It ends between individual houses. Four of these houses are built on the same model. This part is particularly green. It faces a grove.
The fourth son of Richard Vitton was named Louis. He lived from 1842 to 1907. His parents donated the land for the streets. These streets provided access to the lots they had designed. He was the lord of Montchat. His son Louis sold the castle in 1920.
The connection with Rue de Vigny was planned. Nothing was built between the two streets. The Free Evangelical Church has taken over workshops.
Painter Louis Arlin lived at number 28. He was born in Lyon in 1830. He lived there until his death in 1906. Félix Benoit places him at number 35. He recounts that Arlin was also a fisherman. He couldn’t resist painting his carp in oil. He did this before cooking them in butter.
Shops and services are concentrated to the north. A baker is present. There are two doctors and two dry cleaners. Six companies operate here. The Anatole France nursery school is also located here.
Rue Louis offers a glimpse into Lyon’s past. Its architecture and history create a unique atmosphere. As you walk this street, remember Louis Vitton. Remember also the artist Arlin and his carp. Each building whispers tales of Lyon’s evolution. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of residential and commercial spaces. Notice the subtle architectural details. Rue Louis is more than just a street. It is a living testament to Lyon’s rich heritage.