A bustling street in Lyon. That’s Rue Commandant Faurax. It starts at the Quai de Grande Bretagne and ends at the Boulevard des Belges.
Rue Commandant Faurax wasn’t always called that. Originally it was Rue du Nord the northernmost street in the Brotteaux district. Imagine the area a century ago. It was far from the city’s center. It was one of the last streets built in the 19th century.
The street’s current name honors Commandant Marius Paul Faurax. Born in 1849 he was a brave soldier. He fought in the Franco-Prussian War and later in the French Foreign Legion. He was killed in action in 1892 in Dahomey now Benin. His death was a loss for France. It also led to the renaming of Rue du Nord.
Rue Commandant Faurax has a mix of buildings. Most are residential. They’re quite tall some with six floors. Construction dates vary from 1933 to 1954. One building number 10 has a grand entrance. It even hints at a hidden inner garden. Some corners especially at the intersections with Rue de Créqui and Rue Duguesclin have beautiful rounded balconies. The most stunning buildings are at the end near Boulevard des Belges. These buildings have prominent columns and a sharp angled corner topped by a terrace.
Number 5 on Rue Commandant Faurax holds a special place. This is the location of the Italian Consulate General.
The street isn’t just about grand buildings and history. It’s also a place of everyday life. It holds a few shops a pharmacy a hairdresser and a software vendor.
Today Rue Commandant Faurax is a quiet residential area. But its history is rich. This street tells a story of war bravery and the quiet evolution of a city. It shows how a simple street can hold so much. So the next time you are in Lyon remember this quiet street with a rich story. It is a testament to the fascinating past that shapes Lyon today.