Rue de la R\u00e9publique is more than just a street. It is a vibrant artery pulsing with the lifeblood of Lyon. This iconic street stretches through Lyon’s 1st and 2nd arrondissements. It links Place de la Com\u00e9die to Place Le Viste near Place Bellecour.
Rue de la R\u00e9publique is the city’s main shopping street. Locals fondly call it “Rue de la R\u00e9”. This nickname reflects its importance to the city. It is one of Lyon’s most frequented streets day and night.
Imagine this street in the mid-19th century. Claude-Marius Va\u00efsse transformed Lyon. As mayor in 1854 he launched grand projects. He built new roads and restored important buildings.
Va\u00efsse created three new roads in Presqu’\u00eele. These connected Place Bellecour to other squares. Rue de la R\u00e9publique was one of these key routes. It links Place Bellecour to Place de la R\u00e9publique and Place Louis Pradel.
The street was initially named Rue Imp\u00e9riale in 1862. It was renamed Rue de Lyon in 1871. In 1878 it finally became Rue de la R\u00e9publique.
Two new squares were created along this route. These were Place Imp\u00e9riale now Place de la R\u00e9publique and Place des Cordeliers. The street stretches over a kilometer. It runs southwest to northeast from Place Bellecour to Place de la R\u00e9publique. Then it goes north to south to Place Louis Pradel.
Rue de la R\u00e9publique reminds many of the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es in Paris. It is lined with luxury stores and various shops. Fast food kiosks restaurants and cafes add to its vibrancy.
Look up at the Haussmann-style buildings. These were built when the street was created. At number 85 you will find a building of note. Emile Guimet the industrialist built it as a theatre. Today it is the Fnac Bellecour. A mosaic “RF” for R\u00e9publique Fran\u00e7aise adorns the building.
The Art Deco Cinema Path\u00e9 stands out. It has a rooster on its roof. The Palace of Commerce is near the Church of Saint Bonaventure. The modernistic New Grand Bazaar is full of shops. The City Hall and Opera Nouvel are at Place de la Com\u00e9die.
In 1894 tragedy struck. President Sadi Carnot was assassinated near the Palace of Commerce. A red stone marks the spot on Rue de la R\u00e9publique.
In the 1970s the street was dug up. This was for the construction of Lyon Metro Line A.
Rue de la R\u00e9publique is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place of history commerce and culture. It is a vital part of Lyon’s identity. As you stroll along Rue de la R\u00e9publique feel its pulse. Enjoy its stories. This street is a testament to Lyon’s past and present.