Rue des Capucins

On Rue des Capucins, whispers of history mingle with the sounds of modern life. This street, nestled in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, stretches between the slopes of La Croix-Rousse and the Place des Terreaux. Rue des Capucins is more than just a pathway. It’s a thread woven through centuries of Lyon’s story. The street’s eastern section replaced the old Rue Vannerot. This older street honored Jean Vannerot. The name changed in 1850. The western part emerged in the mid-19th century. It replaced a tranquil garden once tended by monks. Nearby, the Place des Capucins opened in the 18th century. The Capuchin monks left their mark on Rue des Capucins. Their monastery, the Capucins du Petit Forez, stood where number 6 now stands. Their chapel, Saint-André, rested at the foot of the montée de la Grande Côte. The monks’ home later became the property of banker André Coste, who rebuilt it. Anne of Austria, a powerful figure, attended the building’s dedication in 1635. The French Revolution brought change to Rue des Capucins, as the Capuchins were expelled. The street became known as Grande Rue Neuve des Capucins in 1810. Today, Rue des Capucins showcases a blend of old and new. Simple, four to five-story buildings line the street. Their unadorned facades and elegant doors offer glimpses into the past. The street pulsates with activity. Shops, a police station, an LGBTQ+ association, the café-théâtre Le Complexe du Rire, and even a Church of Scientology all find a home here. Hidden passages, known as traboules, weave through the buildings. These secret alleyways connect Rue des Capucins with neighboring streets, offering a glimpse into Lyon’s hidden network. One traboule leads to the former courtyard of the Capuchin monastery, a quiet oasis amid the bustling street. Rue des Capucins is part of Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a living testament to the city’s rich history and enduring spirit.