High on the slopes of La Croix-Rousse stands Rue du Bon Pasteur. This charming street in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement holds centuries of history. It’s a place where the past whispers secrets to those who listen closely.
Rue du Bon Pasteur was not always called that. It began life as Rue Masson. Later it became Rue Maurice. Then in 1858 the name changed to what we know today. This change reflects the area’s strong connection to the nearby Eglise du Bon-Pasteur church. The church’s namesake is a significant figure in Christian faith symbolizing Jesus’s role as a shepherd.
Long ago a charitable house dedicated to the Good Shepherd existed near this very spot. It offered refuge to women seeking a new life. This was in 1675. This house eventually led to the establishment of the parish and the church. The street’s present name is a testament to this compassionate past.
The church’s construction is a fascinating tale. Napoleon III himself laid the foundation stone in 1869. Yet war interrupted the process. Completion wasn’t until 1883. Its Poitevin Romanesque style stands out. But the church’s main entrance is unusually high. The planned staircase was never built. Anticlerical sentiments during the Third Republic blocked its construction. Interestingly when the church was being built builders uncovered Roman tiles covering animal bones. Their purpose remains a mystery.
Rue du Bon Pasteur is more than just a street. It’s a vibrant artery connecting Lyon’s past and present. This charming street has served as a backdrop for artists and writers. It features in the comic series Sales Mioches. A commemorative plaque honoring Patrice Berger a local radio personality. This is placed at numbers 15-17 where he lived. The street still reveals traces of its rich past. It continues to inspire stories for generations to come. Take a moment to breathe in the spirit of Rue du Bon Pasteur. Enjoy the stories etched into its very stones.