What if I told you that this very street, the Rue de la Thibaudière, was once part of a vast estate? It’s a story of land acquisition and transformation. It has shaped the Lyon we see today.
Let’s step back in time to the early 18th century. The municipal authority acquired the Thibaudière estate in two parts. The first half was purchased in 1705. The second followed in 1736. This large domain played a pivotal role in the area’s development.
Fast forward to the mid-19th century. The estate was divided into lots in 1844. Imagine the scene. The Ruisseau de Feurs flowed through it. The estate was bordered by Place Saint Louis to the east. Rue Croupisson was to the north. Rue des Asperges stood to the west. Rue des Trois Pierres marked the southern boundary.
The opening of the Rue de la Thibaudière happened before the mid-19th century. Urbanization followed in the second half. The eastern part became an avenue. This explains its width.
The street’s creation wasn’t without its challenges. Dieudonné Scohy and Jules Dulac organized the land. They planned an 18-meter-wide avenue. This plan didn’t align with the Guillotière’s layout. Nor did it fit the orthogonal grid for the Béchevelin district.
Despite these issues, the city accepted the land in 1859. The Rue de la Thibaudière became part of the municipal road network. At that time, it stretched from the Château de la Thibaudière to Place Saint-Louis. The section west of Rue d’Anvers was opened later. It followed the demolition of the château. This explains its narrower width.
The Rue de la Thibaudière wasn’t always as it appears today. The street is cut in the middle by Avenue Jean-Jaurès. The TCL bus network serves the street with several lines. These are the C4, C12, and C14. Several Vélo’v bike-sharing stations provide convenient access.
In the early 2000s, the street benefited from a revitalization plan. This was a joint effort by the state, region, Grand Lyon, city, and consular chambers. The plan significantly reduced the number of vacant commercial properties.
Today the Rue de la Thibaudière offers a mix of old and new. The architecture varies. The first part of the street is narrow with old façades. Some are renovated and some are not. The second part is much wider. It features buildings from different eras.
Note the details as you walk along. Observe the balcony at number 27. Look for the door knockers at numbers 39 and 57. Admire the window with a capital at number 51.
The Rue de la Thibaudière has a rich history and diverse architecture. It is a testament to Lyon’s evolving urban landscape. The street connects different parts of the city. It has shops, services, and residences. It reflects the dynamic character of the Guillotière district. It links the past with the present.