Rue Bleton

Gazing up at the sky from Rue Bleton, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re at the edge of the world. This street, perched on the western slope of Croix-Rousse hill, offers a breathtaking panorama. Rue Bleton isn’t just a street; it’s a vantage point. It gives a spectacular view of the Saône Valley, with the Duchère district to the north, Vaise below, and the majestic Monts du Lyonnais stretching westward. It’s a prime spot to witness the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues. Rue Bleton is more than just a scenic overlook. It’s named after Pierre Auguste Bleton, a prominent Lyonnaise figure who lived from 1834 to 1911. He wore many hats: academician, journalist for the Lyon Républicain, and a champion of mutualism. He even presided over the first mutualism congress in Lyon in 1883. Bleton, sometimes known as Bletton or Monsieur Josse, left a rich literary legacy. His works include “Mme Desbordes Valmore à Lyon,” “À travers Lyon en 1887,” which captures the city’s picturesque charm, and a popular history of Lyon. He is buried in the Croix-Rousse Ancien cemetery. Rue Bleton itself has a history as rich as its namesake. Originally a pathway tracing the outer ramparts of the Croix-Rousse boulevard, its angular shape echoes the outline of a former bastion. This pathway took its current form in 1711, coinciding with the arrival of the Trinitaires religious order. The houses on the south side appeared later, after the ramparts were demolished. Today, Rue Bleton is primarily residential, its northern side bordered by the long wall of the Trinitaires property. For vehicles, it’s a dead end accessed via Rue Bony, often used for parking on busy days. Pedestrians can ascend via a staircase from the Montée des Esses. So, as you stand on Rue Bleton, soak in the view and the history. Imagine the footsteps of Pierre Auguste Bleton echoing along this street, a testament to Lyon’s vibrant past and present. This quiet corner of Croix-Rousse offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, a true hidden gem in the heart of Lyon.