“Ever wonder how a street can be both a border and a memory?” That’s Rue du Nord de la Croix Rousse for you. It marks a boundary between Lyon and Caluire. It also exists as a faint reminder of what once was.
Today, Rue du Nord de la Croix Rousse is more of a pathway than a street. The hospital absorbed much of it. You will find yourself walking beside a huge construction site to the north. It offers distant views of Caluire. To the south are the hospital’s historic buildings. You can spot large workshops and a clock tower. The east side leads to hospital entrances. The west brings you out among technical buildings.
Originally, the name was simply a geographic indicator. The church in Lyon began acquiring land north of the city around the year 1000. These holdings became formalized as the Franc Lyonnais in the 16th century. Alain Caraco’s detailed study chronicles its history and changing borders. By the late 18th century, a path already existed amid gardens.
The hospital’s construction began in 1862. All hospital lands were officially annexed to Lyon in 1913. Around the year 2000, Lyon decided to consolidate its hospital system. This led to major construction projects at Grange Blanche, Pierre Bénite, and Croix Rousse. As of 2013, the northern part of Rue du Nord de la Croix Rousse is modern. The street itself is now integrated into the hospital complex.
Any associations here are linked to the hospital. Medical services are all located within the Croix Rousse Hospital. So, while Rue du Nord de la Croix Rousse may not be a bustling street, it’s a crucial part of the hospital’s story. It is also a testament to Lyon’s ever-evolving urban landscape. It stands as a quiet border, a functional path, and a nod to the past all in one.