Rue de la Balme

From its starting point across from 12 Rue Constant, Rue de la Balme stretches eastward. Rue de la Balme gracefully ascends, reaching a peak near Rue Louis, before descending again towards Boulevard Pinel. Rue de la Balme showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Modern houses from the early 21st century stand alongside buildings from the late 20th century. These newer buildings are characterized by long rows of balconies, often hidden behind trees and walls. At number 29 Rue de la Balme, a charming individual house stands out. It features a sundial and is part of a cluster of similar houses extending towards Rue Camille. Individual houses with small gardens continue along the south side of Rue de la Balme, offering glimpses of the slope, or “balme”, between them. Across the street, the Aubépins complex features five sides facing Rue de la Balme. Look for the small exterior elevator cabins and the two aligned entrances, inviting passage towards Rue des Cerisiers. Past Rue Sainte Marie, a variety of architectural styles line Rue de la Balme. Note the striking ensemble of white cubes at number 76, with two stories and beautiful wood paneling. A more traditional group with green shutters graces numbers 86 to 88, beyond Rue de la Caille. A 1970s-style balconied building sits at 79 Rue de la Balme, before the street reaches another small peak at Boulevard Pinel. As Rue de la Balme nears its end, houses display their sides to the street. Some older houses, like the one at number 100, seem to have inspired newer constructions at 85 and 87, built perhaps a century later. The name “Balme” itself has a fascinating history, possibly referring to the slope on which the street lies. “Balme” can also mean “cave” in Francoprovençal. The term has lent its name to several places in the region, including the famous Grottes de la Balme along the Rhône River. In 1349, a certain Martin de la Balme served as one of Lyon’s ten councilors. Around 1700, Maurice Amédée de Servient held the title of Lord of la Balme and la Part Dieu. Rue de la Balme’s eastern section was laid out relatively early. The majority of the street was opened after the second sale of the Montchat estate in 1920. Numerous constructions in the early 21st century continue to reshape the face of Rue de la Balme.