What if I told you that this unassuming street is named after a true Lyon hero? Welcome to Rue Jean Fauconnet. This street in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement holds more history than you might expect.
Rue Jean Fauconnet begins on Rue de Tourvielle. It faces number 24. It ascends southward. The street serves Rue des Noyers and ends on Rue Pierre Valdo. This is opposite Rue Jeunet.
Let’s talk about the street’s namesake. Jean Fauconnet was born in Le Crozet in 1895. He passed away in Lyon on October 26, 1965. At the time of his death, he resided at 9 Rue Grôlée. Fauconnet was an accomplished lawyer. He later became bâtonnier. This is like a chairman of the Lyon bar association.
During World War II, in 1941, Jean Fauconnet bravely defended members of the Combat resistance movement. His courage did not go unnoticed. He received the Croix de Guerre for his service in both World Wars. Fauconnet was awarded the Rosette de la Résistance. He was also named Commander of the Legion of Honor.
Beyond his legal and wartime contributions, Jean Fauconnet played a key role in Lyon’s urban development. As an adjoint au maire, or assistant mayor, he was in charge of traffic during the construction of the north-south axis. This included the tunnel under the Croix Rousse.
Before it was Rue Jean Fauconnet, a simple path existed here under the old regime. It was just part of the countryside. It wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that it became a proper street. That is when it took on its current form.
Take a look around at the architecture of Rue Jean Fauconnet. The east side features three long HLM buildings. HLM stands for Habitation à Loyer Modéré. That means rent-controlled housing. The middle building is set forward. It is behind a small wall. The others are slightly set back. On the west side, you’ll see gardens, the side of an apartment building and individual houses with tile roofs.
If you need to grab something, there is even a small supermarket called Jean Fauconnet. It is the street’s only shop.
So, as you walk along Rue Jean Fauconnet, remember the man behind the name. Jean Fauconnet defended freedom. He shaped Lyon’s infrastructure. He is a local hero whose legacy lives on in this street.