Hidden in Lyon’s heart lies Rue des Trois Enfants a short steep street. It’s nestled between Montée de la Boucle and Rue Eugène-Pons. Despite its small size cars manage to park there. This is despite a parking ban from Rue de Philippeville.
Rue des Trois Enfants has a unique layout. It’s divided into three distinct sections. The lower section features a staircase ascending under a narrow tunnel. This tunnel is carved into a large stone wall beneath a small building. The middle section is flatter running between garden walls. The upper section is again a staircase between small one or two-story houses.
The street’s name origin is unknown. However Lyon has a fondness for ternary names. There are streets named after Three Artichokes Three Kings Three Stones and Three Maries. This is among others. The Three Children of Rue des Trois Enfants remain a mystery. Their legacy is limited to the street’s name.
The entire neighborhood including Rue des Trois Enfants was laid out before the mid-19th century. Urbanization happened slowly focusing on the higher areas first. Today Rue des Trois Enfants is mainly residential. From the lower entrance on Montée de la Boucle pedestrians can easily reach the number 41 bus stop. The street’s three-part structure its hidden tunnel and its mysterious name give this small Lyon street a unique charm. It’s a reminder of Lyon’s rich and often enigmatic history. A testament to the unknown stories that are hidden within its streets.