Rue Constant

From a quiet residential street to a bustling thoroughfare, Rue Constant in Lyon has seen its fair share of transformations. Rue Constant begins modestly at Rue Ferdinand Buisson, near the Bon Secours Church. It stretches southward, ending at its intersection with Avenue Lacassagne and Rue Trarieux. Rue Constant isn’t just a street. It’s a microcosm of Lyon’s history, reflecting the city’s architectural evolution. Initially, the street was part of the vast Richard Vitton estate. This 78-hectare area was divided into lots in 1858, marking the beginning of Rue Constant’s development. Today, the street showcases a mix of architectural styles. The western side features small, single-story houses, unified by their garages. The eastern side boasts grand villas nestled in gardens. Further down, larger apartment buildings appear. One notable building is the Constant Residence at number 31. Look up at number 38 with its unusual vertical stripes and number 40 with its charming balconies. Number 33 opens onto a beautiful garden. The corner building at 219 Avenue Lacassagne has a distinct, almost quirky profile. Rue Constant also carries the legacy of Henri Constant Richard, the son of the family who owned the original estate. The street’s name honors him, as does the nearby Place Henri. Interestingly, there was once another street named after him, Rue Henri, but it was later renamed after Doctor Long. The street has a rich history. In 1797, during the French Revolution, Benjamin Constant highlighted the role of terror in both causing and suppressing the Lyon uprising. Rue Constant has also been home to notable figures. The famous actor Louis Jouvet reportedly lived at number 3 from 1934 to 1938. In the past, a Protestant temple stood on Rue Constant. It was sold in 2008 and demolished to make way for residential buildings. The congregation then built a new temple in Vaulx-en-Velin. Today, if you wander down Rue Constant, you will find a dental prosthetics laboratory and a retirement home, a testament to the street’s diverse character. Even Mayor Louis Pradel visited Rue Constant to inaugurate the retirement home in 1968. So next time you’re in Lyon, stroll down Rue Constant. It’s more than just a street. It’s a journey through time, architecture, and the stories of Lyon.