Born in Saint-Genis-Laval in 1848 Lucien Bègule became a Lyon legend. This quiet alley Allée Lucien Bègule honors him. His father was a renowned auctioneer in Place Bellecour. Lucien however found fame not in finance but in art.
Specifically the art of stained glass. Lucien Bègule was a master of stained glass. His workshops in Choulans produced breathtaking works. These graced churches across France and even reached as far as Nagasaki and Rio de Janeiro. His talent earned him two gold medals at the Paris World’s Fairs of 1889 and 1900. His Saint George slaying the dragon won accolades. So did his depiction of the poet Louise Labbé.
But Bègule wasn’t just an artist. He was also a skilled photographer. He documented Lyon’s religious and secular architecture. His photographic archive is vast. It reveals a deep understanding of history and craftsmanship. He wrote extensively. He published over 20 books. His work included a monograph on Lyon Cathedral. Another explored the rich artistic heritage of the Rhône department. He was an archaeologist too serving as inspector general of the Société française d’archéologie.
Allée Lucien Bègule is a new addition to Lyon’s cityscape. It came about with the construction of the Ynfluences building complex around 2018. This charming alley offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city. It is a paved path lined with small trees and benches. It starts near the ice rink on Cours Charlemagne. It ends on Rue Smith near the newer Allée Susan Sontag. The alley passes through the Ynfluences complex. It lies between Rue Casimir Perier and Place Mitterrand. The southern side shows views of Place Mitterrand. The alley ends near the distinctive Herzog & de Meuron tower at 62 Rue Smith.
Bègule’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable works. His son Emile also became a stained-glass designer. The family’s contribution to Lyon’s artistic identity is undeniable. The Allée Lucien Bègule provides a fitting tribute. It is a place to pause reflect and appreciate the multifaceted genius of a truly remarkable man. A man whose life mirrored the vibrancy and depth of Lyon itself. Take a moment to imagine the stories these stones could tell. Stories of a man who mastered light color and history itself. Let the Allée Lucien Bègule inspire your own creative spirit.