Rue du Mont d’Or

Gazing up at the gentle slope of Rue du Mont d’Or, can you sense the echoes of its past? Rue du Mont d’Or, once a humble path known as “Rue des Pattes,” now stands as a testament to Lyon’s rich history. The street’s current name, a nod to the majestic Monts d’Or mountains to the north, evokes images of rolling hills and ancient quarries. These mountains, whose name shifts between singular and plural forms, have long been a source of both material and inspiration for the city. Rue du Mont d’Or physically connects the bustling city center to these heights, mirroring the historical link between Lyon and the mountains that shaped its development. The 19th century breathed life into the street’s architecture, shaping the facades we see today. A beam above number 9, etched with “1823”, whispers tales of the street’s transformation. Beneath the modern pavement, secrets slumber. In 2008, archaeologists unearthed traces of a 5th-century BC Gallic dwelling and the remnants of a fire, revealing layers of history beneath Rue du Mont d’Or. Further excavations revealed evidence of Late Iron Age and Roman occupation, with walls, pits, and even a rare Augustan-era burial complete with vases and a knife. The Monts d’Or, the source of the street’s name, provided the “pierre dorée,” the golden stone that graces many of Lyon’s iconic buildings. Imagine the clatter of carts laden with this precious cargo, rumbling down the nascent Rue du Mont d’Or, contributing to the city’s architectural splendor. Today, the street blends echoes of this past with the rhythms of modern life. Shops and businesses line the lower section, while the upper portion retains a quieter charm. As you walk along Rue du Mont d’Or, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, from ancient settlements to the vibrant present.