Rue de Vauzelles

Mystery shrouds the Rue de Vauzelles. It’s a street named after a prominent Lyon family. The Rue de Vauzelles whispers tales of the Vauzelles family, whose members made their mark on Lyon’s history. This street, nestled in the slopes of Croix-Rousse, begins at Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse. It ends at Rue de l’Alma, intersected by Rue de Crimée. Impasse Vauzelles also branches off from this street. The Rue de Vauzelles isn’t just a street. It’s a journey back to 19th-century Lyon. The buildings lining the street are a testament to this era. They stand tall, three to five stories high. Imagine the clatter of horse-drawn carriages. Picture the bustle of daily life in this historic neighborhood. The street also holds a hidden gem. Behind a row of garages in a courtyard, a remarkably narrow house stands. At the corner of the boulevard, a house boasts a balcony adorned with a beautiful metal lyre. The Rue de Vauzelles owes its name to the Vauzelles family. Among them were Jean and Mathieu, poets and patrons of the arts during the Renaissance. In 1524, Mathieu served as a judge in Lyon’s secular court. He held a doctorate in law and owned property in Fourvière, including a fortified house near Antiquaille. Jean, his brother, co-founded the Charité in Lyon in 1531. Records from 1596 list Mathieu among other street owners in the city’s account books. He also penned a treatise on customs. However, the street primarily honors Georges de Vauzelles, a Knight of Saint John of Jerusalem and Commander of La Tourette. He was known as a protector of literary figures. As the city council declared on April 30, 1858, his family distinguished itself in Lyon’s consular annals for three centuries. This led to the renaming of the former “rue au couchant du Clos Riondel” to Rue de Vauzelles. The Rue de Vauzelles emerged in the mid-19th century. Its creation followed the demolition of the ramparts where Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse now stands. The street even housed a renowned artist, Gustave Karcher, a painter born in Colmar in 1831. He lived at number 13 until his death in 1908. Today, his paintings and photographs are available online. The Rue de Vauzelles continues to pulse with life. Fabienne Brilleman practices gilding at the Atelier du Grand Monarque. At number 6, La Petite Boîte à Musique offers lessons in piano, organ, and accordion. Finally, LSL provides language travel services. As you stand on Rue de Vauzelles, you’re not just on a street, but in a living story.