Here on Rue Claude Le Laboureur, we walk a path steeped in history. This isn’t just another street. It’s a tribute to a man who chronicled Lyon’s past.
Rue Claude Le Laboureur begins where Rue des Docteurs Cordier ends. Then it continues into Saint Cyr. There, it becomes Chemin de Grave, a picturesque escape from Lyon. Imagine leaving Lyon on foot this way.
The street forks from Rue Cordier. It sits at the foot of a beautiful turreted house. On the north side, a high wall shields a private estate. Through a gate, you glimpse a field lined with poplars. The south wall lowers, revealing villas on the hillside. Vegetation covers it, before giving way to an embankment.
Heading north, Rue Claude Le Laboureur offers views of Mont Ceindre. Beyond the estate, only two houses remain within Lyon’s limits. These are part of a deeper development. As it enters Saint Cyr, the street slopes gently. Villas line the western side, mixed with old walls and a grand old house. Further on, larger homes sit in a more open area.
This street honors Claude Le Laboureur. Born in 1601, he lived until at least 1681. He is celebrated as the provost and historian of Île Barbe. From 1630 to 1660, he resided in the grand house known as the provostry. It was there that he served the Île Barbe.
Claude Le Laboureur gifted us “Masures de l’Île Barbe”. This is the earliest historical account of the island. The library preserves this book. A digital version is available online.
This was once a very old country road. Recently, individual villas and housing developments have changed its character. Despite these modern additions, Rue Claude Le Laboureur retains a rustic charm.
In 2020, someone installed a book box here.
Claude Le Laboureur was more than just a local figure. He was also a cousin of Louis and Jean Le Laboureur. After studying law, he became a lawyer in Paris. He soon left law for the clergy. In 1630, family connections helped him become provost of the secularized Abbey of Île Barbe near Lyon.
He moved there and dedicated himself to historical research. Conflicts with the canons led to his resignation in 1660. Bitter, he sought refuge in Valence before returning to Lyon. Later, he resettled in Paris.
Le Laboureur published several works on history and heraldry. These include “Notes et corrections faites sur le bréviaire de Lyon”. This work sparked controversy. Bésian Arroy responded with “Apologie pour l’Église de Lyon”. Le Laboureur then retorted with “Épistre de l’Homme inconnu”.
Another work, “Discours de l’origine des armes”, also drew criticism. Claude-François Ménestrier critiqued it. Le Laboureur defended his work in “Épistre apologétique”.
His most famous work remains “Les Mazures de l’Abbaye de l’Isle-Barbe-lez-Lyon”. This is a history of the abbey from its origins to the early 16th century. Bésian Arroy again responded with “Briève et dévote Histoire de l’Abbaye de l’Isle-Barbe”.
Later works included “Histoire généalogique de la Maison de Sainte-Colombe” and sequels to “Les Mazures”.
So, as you walk this street, remember Claude Le Laboureur. He preserved the stories of Lyon for us to discover. Rue Claude Le Laboureur is more than just a street. It’s a journey through time.