What stories could these stones tell if they could speak? We are standing on Rue de Sévigné. This street in Lyon is named after Marie de Rabutin-Chantal. She is better known as the Marquise de Sévigné.
Let’s explore the history and significance of this street. Rue de Sévigné starts opposite the gates of the prefecture on Rue Servient. It crosses Rue de la Part Dieu. The street ends on a facade of Rue Mazenod.
Rue de Sévigné is a short straight street. It is lined with fairly tall buildings. These buildings have been constructed from the 19th century up to the present. Some are two stories high. Others reach ten stories. The intersection with Rue de la Part Dieu is quite wide. It features three rounded corners and one that is cut off.
The house of the Centre Mutualiste stands out. It is shorter than the other buildings with only two stories. The windows have stone frames and capitals. A reclining lion and entwined snakes decorate it. The last two facades slightly overhang. The east side is clad in stone. The west side is clad in iron above a marble entrance.
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal was born in Paris on February 5 1626. She died at the Château de Grignan on April 17 1696. Her published letters elevated her to the level of great classical writers. That is how she became known as the Marquise de Sévigné. The Marquise de Sévigné passed through Lyon several times. She was on her way to the Château de Grignan. She described her arrival in Lyon in one of her letters.
She docked at Quai des Célestins. She visited the Château de Pierre Scize and the Maison Mey. She also climbed the Montée des Capucins. In 1672 and 1673, she stayed at the Hôtel du Chamarier on Rue Saint Jean.
The street was opened in the mid-19th century. It extended Rue Molière. The construction of the prefecture in 1890 cut it off. Buildings have been replaced up until the late twentieth century. When I visited in 2024 everything else remained the same except for some shops.
The Fondation Dispensaire manages the Centre Mutualiste. Since 1818, they have formed a small medical center. It includes a mutual office, a podologist, a midwife, and a dental prosthetist. In 2023, Le Progrès announced its closure. A solution was found. The premises were partly open when I passed by in 2024.
Alpes Nettoyage, two law firms, and businesses occupy the office buildings here. At the corners of Rue Mazenod, the Colbert houses many companies. The Sévigné at number 15 houses department services.
To truly appreciate Madame de Sévigné, visit the library. Read her letters. They offer a glimpse into her life and times. Rue de Sévigné is more than just a street. It is a connection to a celebrated writer. It is a reminder of Lyon’s rich history. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.