Here on Rue de la Viabert in Lyon a rich history unfolds.
Rue de la Viabert is more than just a street. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of time. It’s a continuation of Rue Vauban. It runs east towards Villeurbanne. It lies between Rue des Charmettes and Rue Notre Dame. This main street of the Bellecombe quarter intersects with Rue Bellecombe.
Imagine the early 20th century. Buildings rose along Rue de la Viabert. Many date from that era. Some are elegant. Others are modest workshops or houses. Numbers 46 and 47 stand opposite each other. They are early 20th-century buildings. Their black iron entrances are a striking feature.
Further along lies the Hospital des Charmettes. Its two-story white block is impressive. Next to it Notre Dame de Bellecombe church stands tall. Its pointed arches and slender bell tower are easily spotted. Inside beautiful stained-glass windows depict the life of Christ. They date back to 1901.
A sign reminds us that Rue de la Viabert was once the ordinary vicinal road 140. The plaque at the corner of Rue Bellecombe is unique. It is made of small metal printing characters. The name echoes an old country road. A smaller Rue de la Viabert exists in Villeurbanne. Villeurbanne also has a Viabert stadium.
In 2021 construction projects were underway. They were on the south side beyond Rue Sainte Geneviève. The street now boasts a cinema a judo club and the Cercle Bellecombe. This sports and cultural association was founded in 1904. In Villeurbanne the French boules sports federation has its headquarters.
The street is marked by two large institutions. These are the Hospital des Charmettes and Bellecombe College. There are also several businesses. Two wholesale clothing stores are located here. There are also four auto repair shops a V’lille bike station six companies three bars a bakery and a real estate agency.
Rue de la Viabert’s story is one of change and continuity. It reflects Lyon’s evolution. It speaks to the lives of its inhabitants past and present. It remains a vibrant part of the city’s fabric. Its past lives on in its architecture and its name.