What if streets could talk? Rue d’Aguesseau might tell tales of legal giants and city expansions. This street resides in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement. It is more than just a path. Rue d’Aguesseau is a link to Lyon’s past.
Let’s start our journey at Quai Claude-Bernard. Here Rue d’Aguesseau begins its eastward course. The street ends where Rue Bèchevelin and Rue des Trois-Rois meet. This intersection forms Place Claude-Bulard. Until 1976 this square was called Place d’Aguesseau.
But who was Aguesseau? Some say the street honors Henri François d’Aguesseau. He was the Chancellor of France. He was also an erudite historian and philosopher. Others believe it commemorates his grandson Henri-Cardin-Jean-Baptiste d’Aguesseau. He was a Peer of France. He died when the street was created. The exact honoree remains a debate among historians.
The name “d’Aguesseau” appeared as early as 1839. Historian Maurice Vanario noted this. He sometimes confused the street with the square. Early descriptions of the street are scarce. Adolphe Vachet focused on Henri François d’Aguesseau’s biography. Louis Maynard said the name was not connected to Lyon.
Jean Pelletier gives more detail. He describes the street’s creation in 1826. Engineer André Combalot planned it. Combalot’s name lives on in Rue Basse-Combalot. This street runs parallel to Rue d’Aguesseau. The development followed the filling of a Rhône channel. At that time, Guillotière was independent. It only joined Lyon in 1852. Pelletier insists the street honors Henri-Cardin-Jean-Baptiste d’Aguesseau.
Rue d’Aguesseau helps form Lyon’s Asian district. It runs parallel to Rue Passet. It also runs parallel to Rue Basse-Combalot and Rue Montesquieu. Rue Pasteur crosses them all.
Buildings line Rue d’Aguesseau. They vary in size and style. Some are simple and old with one to five stories. Others show more decoration. Number 7 has an elaborate corner balcony.
Henri François d’Aguesseau was a great jurist. He was born in Limoges in 1666. He died in Paris in 1751. He served as a lawyer and Chancellor of France. He reformed French legislation. A Lyonnais published a book about him in 1835. A bust of him is in the Musée des Beaux Arts.
His grandson Henri Cardin, Jean Baptiste d’Aguesseau was also a jurist. He was born in 1747 and died in 1826. He was a president of the Paris court and a member of the Académie Française.
André Combalot sold land for the street’s construction in 1829. Most buildings date from that era. Additional construction soon followed. By the late 19th century, the street took its present form.
Today Rue d’Aguesseau is a mix of cultures and activities. The Association of Overseas Chinese Residents has an office here. You can find bars restaurants shops and services. This street connects Lyon’s history to its modern life. Rue d’Aguesseau is more than just a street. It is a journey through time and culture. It is a place where the past and present meet.