Right here at Chemin de Montpellas, you are standing on a path with a history that might surprise you. This isn’t just another street in Lyon. It’s a journey through time. It whispers tales of old houses and modern transformations.
Chemin de Montpellas is located in Saint Rambert. It extends from Rue Gabriel Chevallier near the church and Place Schonberg. The road heads northwest before forking. One section cuts through a residential area. It passes beneath a porch and emerges on Rue des Docteurs Cordier. The other branch serves more buildings. It ends in steps leading down to Rue Cordier.
Originally, this area was known as Montpellas. The name applied to this part of the hill and a local property. The initial path served three old houses. In the 19th century, it was a dead end from Rue des Docteurs Cordier. The small staircase onto Rue Cordier is also old.
But time doesn’t stand still. Before the end of the 20th century, the street was opened. New buildings quickly followed. Today, Chemin de Montpellas showcases this blend of old and new.
Look around you. Notice the architecture. From Rue Berlioz, the entrance passes under a porch. This is part of a modern complex. Brown and pink buildings feature oblique lines. Gardens with trees surround them. The path curves, joining the main part on the hillside. It overlooks the Saône valley.
An alley extends from this section, serving two building groups. It narrows into a path. The path widens into a garden. Benches are available. A staircase descends to Rue Cordier.
At number 3, an alley slopes down. It leads to two large old houses. These houses overlook the Saône. The path passes a balustrade around a sandbox. A large lawn slopes to a low wall. This wall offers a view above the Saint Rambert bell tower.
The main part of Chemin de Montpellas passes the gate of a third old house. The inscription reads “mont fleuri.” The side along the Saône lacks buildings. It runs along the Saint Rambert garden. The path continues to two small square buildings and seven apartment buildings. These buildings have five stories of balconies facing the hill.
Chemin de Montpellas isn’t just a street. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. It is a testament to Lyon’s ever-evolving story. Take a moment to appreciate this unique blend. Let the whispers of history guide your steps as you continue your journey.