Could a street be cursed? Here on the Rue des 4 Chapeaux, whispers of a curse linger. Rue des 4 Chapeaux has existed since the Middle Ages. It was once called Rue Maudite, or “Cursed Street.” This name links back to the story of Pierre Valdo. He was a religious reformer who lived from 1140 to 1217. The street’s current name, Rue des 4 Chapeaux, likely comes from an old inn. The inn’s sign displayed four hats. This seemingly simple origin contrasts sharply with its former, ominous title. Rue des 4 Chapeaux wasn’t always about hats and inns. In 1567, it witnessed religious strife. Lyon residents vandalized a Protestant temple located on this very street. Years later, in 1772, Louis Vitet called Rue des 4 Chapeaux home. He was a former mayor of Lyon. Then, in 1855, a new name appeared: Rue Grenouille, or “Frog Street.” The section between rues Ferrandière and Thomassin even became Place Grenouille, or “Frog Square.” Today, as you stand on Rue des 4 Chapeaux, its past intertwines with the present. The whispers of the “Cursed Street” may be gone. But the echoes of history still resonate. The street’s name, once a symbol of an inn, now carries the weight of centuries. It stands as a testament to the changing times and the enduring spirit of Lyon.
Soierie Vivante
Isn’t it remarkable how threads can weave history? Here at Soierie Vivante, we don’t just display silk we bring its