Hidden amongst Lyon’s hills lies Place Charles Dufraine. This unassuming square holds a fascinating history. It’s a place of gentle slopes and winding paths. It’s also a place where art and history intertwine.
Imagine the early 20th century. The area was undergoing significant development. The Castel Bellevue a striking white house with two towers was built in 1885. This magnificent building stands proudly. Its entrance is marked by two impressive lynx heads. They guard the secrets of the past.
The square itself is a charming wooded area. Three roadways wind through it like ribbons. A wide staircase links Rue Sainte Marie to Rue Chambovet. It climbs amongst the trees. This creates a sense of both intimacy and grandeur. The upper part of the square extends from Rue Massenet. There is a parking area and a spacious earth pathway. Two benches offer a place to rest and reflect.
Place Charles Dufraine is named after a remarkable sculptor. Charles Dufraine born in 1837 lived at 45 Rue Croix Jordan in Lyon. He died here in 1900. He was a prominent figure in Lyon’s artistic scene. He trained with the sculptor Bonnet and the architect Bossan. He worked on several significant religious projects. His sculptures grace the churches of Oullins Saint Georges and Saint Vincent. He even created a Virgin and Saint Anne for the Immaculate Conception church. He contributed to the Basilica of Fourvière adding the impressive Lion of Judah. His work exemplifies the blend of Italian Renaissance elegance and Neoclassical tendencies. His Angel was displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts during a major exhibition. Even today his legacy lives on. The city continues to award the Charles Dufraine prize to students of the School of Fine Arts.
His student Jean Louis Chorel also left his mark on Lyon. He sculpted Jeanne d’Arc and Pierre Dupont monuments. His daughter Julie Chorel a medalist even married Marcel Gimond another renowned sculptor. Before the square received its current name it was known as Place Bellevue.
The Place Charles Dufraine offers more than just a pretty view. It’s a living testament to a bygone era. It whispers stories of artists visionaries and a city’s evolution. So take a moment. Breathe in the atmosphere. Let the history of Place Charles Dufraine transport you. It’s a journey through time. A journey of art faith and community. It’s a place where Lyon’s past and present beautifully converge.