Remember the Crimean War. This is the story of Rue de Crimée in Lyon. It’s a street with a name echoing a conflict far from here.
Rue de Crimée is in the 1st arrondissement. It sits in the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood. The street runs between Rue de Vauzelles and Rue Jean-Baptiste-Say.
But why “Crimée”? The name commemorates the Crimean War. This war from 1853 to 1856 pitted Russia against an alliance. The alliance included the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom, and Sardinia. The war concluded with a coalition victory. The Treaty of Paris followed.
The history of Rue de Crimée is tied to the area’s past. The slopes of Croix-Rousse were once home to large properties called “clos”. Among them were Clos Flandrin and Clos Riondel.
In 1823, developers decided to create a new neighborhood. They chose the Clos Riondel for this project. They laid out streets. In 1853, they gave these streets to Lyon. The city agreed to cover paving and lighting costs.
The Clos Flandrin was next to Clos Riondel. In 1847, the owner of Clos Flandrin died. Despite legal challenges, the land was divided. Housing was built little by little. This area stretched north to Rue de Bellevue. Rue de Bellevue ran behind the Croix-Rousse rampart.
Originally, the streets were named after their positions relative to Clos Flandrin. Rue de Crimée was Rue du Clos-Flandrin. Other streets included Rue Rast-Maupas. It was in the center. Rue Raymond was to the west. Rue Jean-Baptiste-Say was to the east.
In 1858, Grande Rue du Clos-Riondel merged with Rue du Clos-Flandrin. The street then received its current name Rue de Crimée.
Rue de Crimée is a main street in its small district. It runs parallel to Boulevard de la Croix Rousse. The street starts at Rue de Vauzelles. It slopes gently eastward. It descends toward Rue Jean Baptiste Say. It crosses a bridge over the Ficelle tunnel.
The street has buildings from different eras. They range from the 19th century onward.
At number 9, two beautiful houses stand side by side. They feature fossil-filled stones. Raised entrances with small steps mark this area. Intersections with Rue Ozanam and Rue Sainte Clotilde offer views. You can see the city and the town hall of the 4th arrondissement.
A modern residence opens onto Rue Saint François. It surrounds a garden. The door at number 34 is decorated with lyres. The end of the street is lined with converted workshops, now garages.
So, as you walk along Rue de Crimée, remember its layered past. From vast estates to a war’s commemoration, this street embodies Lyon’s rich story.