Rue du Griffon

What secrets does a griffin hold? Today, we unveil the story of Rue du Griffon, etched into the heart of Lyon’s Croix-Rousse slopes. Rue du Griffon isn’t just a street. It’s a whisper from the past, a testament to Lyon’s rich history. Imagine, back in the 14th century, this street springing to life, a pathway carved through the hillside. Rue du Griffon pulsated with the energy of silk workers, their looms clicking a rhythm that echoed through the narrow lanes. The street earned its unusual name from a sign depicting a griffin, a mythical creature blending lion and eagle. This wasn’t merely decorative. It was a symbol of strength and vigilance, reflecting the spirit of the artisans who toiled here. Rue du Griffon has witnessed centuries of change. It remembers the demolition of the Griffon Gate in 1539, a gateway that once stood proudly uphill from Rue Terraille. The Visitandine nuns briefly called Rue du Griffon home in 1615 before moving to their grand monastery. Years later, the renowned silk merchant, Claude-Joseph Bonnet, established his shop at number 4, his business thriving with nearly 900 employees specializing in black silks. Rue du Griffon is more than just cobblestones and buildings. It’s a living tapestry woven with the threads of Lyon’s vibrant past. As you walk along Rue du Griffon today, from Place Croix-Paquet down towards Place Louis Pradel, picture the silk workers, the nuns, the bustling shops. Feel the echoes of their footsteps, their laughter, their dreams. Rue du Griffon waits to share its secrets.