A plaque catches your eye. It’s on a building in Rue de Castries. It commemorates Victor de Laprade. He was a poet a member of the Académie Française. He died at number 10 on December 13 1883.
Welcome to Rue de Castries in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. This charming street holds a significant place in Lyon’s history. Its name honors the Duke Augustin de Castries. He was a lieutenant general for the King. This was in the provinces of Lyonnais Forez and Beaujolais in 1787. He later became a peer in 1814.
Rue de Castries is a relatively recent addition to Lyon’s urban fabric. It was created in the early 19th century. This was during the significant urban development projects undertaken by the Perrache company. These projects reshaped the area near the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. They pushed the confluence further south.
The street itself is quite interesting. It boasts impressive 19th-century buildings. Their facades and doorways are remarkable. Alphonse Daudet a famous French writer once lived here. Imagine the stories he could tell. Imagine the scenes he witnessed.
Rue de Castries begins at Quai Maréchal-Joffre. It ends at Rue d’Enghien. Rue Vaubecour intersects it. Traffic flows in both directions. This is unusual for the narrower streets of the Ainay quarter. The street is wider than others nearby.
Many buildings have no ground floor entrances. There are a few businesses. These include a nurse’s office a law firm and a company office. The street also hosts several artistic endeavors. There is a gallery an art studio and an association for graphic arts.
Despite its modest length Rue de Castries offers a glimpse into Lyon’s past. It is a testament to the city’s evolution. It’s a quiet corner of Lyon brimming with history. It’s a quiet corner filled with hidden stories and intriguing characters. Remember the poet Victor de Laprade as you walk along Rue de Castries. His legacy lives on in this charming street.