Rue de la Claire

Gazing down Rue de la Claire, it’s hard to imagine this street once hosted a grand mansion visited by King Henry IV himself. Rue de la Claire stretches from Quai de la Gare d’eau to Rue Laure Diebold, a path winding through history. This street, named after the 16th-century “Maison de la Claire,” whispers tales of a time long past. The mansion’s builder, Clarissimo Cionacci, also known as Monsieur Le Clair, left his mark on Lyon, his legacy etched in the very name of this street. In 1812, the inscription “Ubique Clara” still graced the mansion’s gate, a testament to its enduring presence. Sadly, progress often comes at a cost, and the construction of the Vaise train station around 1860 led to the mansion’s demise. Even its historically classified fountain was relocated to the Laporte estate in Ecully. Yet, echoes of its grandeur linger. King Henry IV, during visits in 1595, praised the mansion’s magnificent gardens that extended all the way to the Saône River. Rue de la Claire wasn’t just a place of beauty; it also bore witness to conflict. In 1793, Précy, the leader of the Lyon insurgents, made his last stand here after defeat within the city walls. Years later, in 1814, Augereau’s 800 soldiers clashed with Austrian forces attempting to seize Lyon. The street itself took shape around the mid-19th century, absorbing the former Rue Berjon. The arrival of the railway line solidified its current form, creating the bend after Rue de Bourgogne. The spiritual heart of Rue de la Claire beats in the imposing Annonciation church, its 62-meter copper-plated clock tower a beacon for the neighborhood. Built in 1957 by Paul Émile Koch, the church stands as a testament to 20th-century architectural heritage. But the story of faith on this street extends further back. Three churches have graced this spot, each with its own unique history. A temporary church arose in 1860, replaced by a grander structure in 1896, which was tragically damaged during the bombings of May 26, 1944. The current church, completed in 1959, continues the legacy of faith on Rue de la Claire.