Hidden amongst Lyon’s hills lies Rue de la Garenne. A seemingly ordinary street it holds a captivating history. This narrow passage once served as a simple path. It wound through the countryside centuries ago. Rue de la Garenne connected a few scattered houses. This was during the 19th century a time of rural simplicity.
Today Rue de la Garenne is quite different. It has become a bustling residential street. Its character is defined by the mix of old and new architecture. The older section is narrow. Houses are nestled close together. Some are half-hidden behind high walls. Others boast gardens overlooking the valley. Newer buildings stand in contrast. They are modern structures featuring angular designs and balconies.
Notice the curious alignment of houses numbered 19 to 21. These homes are clad in brown wood panels. They are a striking example of contemporary design. Further down the street older buildings stand. Many are individual houses surrounded by small gardens. Some are grouped together forming small alleyways. Look closely at number 34. Its disproportionately large entranceway is framed by a concrete canopy.
The steepest part of Rue de la Garenne is quite dramatic. It descends at a 24% gradient. The street cuts through lush vegetation. Impressive individual houses line both sides. Between numbers 60 and 74 an alleyway branches off. It leads to a cluster of houses nestled in a wooded area. One house is particularly lovely. Its large windows look out onto a clearing. It might have once been the orangery of a grand estate.
The southern side of the street also has houses. Two stand out due to their unique designs. One is covered in wood and has a distinctive rose-colored curve. The other is asymmetrically designed. Its open facade faces the slope. A curious jutting concrete slab is a unique architectural feature. The end of Rue de la Garenne marks the entrance to a group of low-lying buildings in Francheville. These house numerous businesses.
Rue de la Garenne’s name is significant. The word “garennes” once referred to the entire neighborhood. This reflects its historical importance as a central area. The street’s evolution from a country path to a modern residential area illustrates Lyon’s growth and development. The story of Rue de la Garenne is a microcosm of the city’s transformation. A quiet street it whispers stories of the past present and future.