Picture this a wide street stretching before you. This is Rue Dumont d’Urville in Lyon. Its history whispers of ambitious plans and bustling industry.
Rue Dumont d’Urville sits east of the Croix Rousse plateau. It’s a continuation of Rue Célu. It heads north towards Rue de la Tour du Pin. The street is impressively wide. It allows parking and two-way traffic. Rows of trees line its sides.
Imagine the street in the mid-19th century. It was carved out of the old Clos de la Visitation. The planners envisioned a grand avenue connecting to Rue Impériale now Rue de la République. They dreamed of it as Lyon’s main thoroughfare. The project faced challenges. The steep slopes were already developed.
The architecture of Rue Dumont d’Urville tells a story. Most buildings are 19th-century constructions. They are simple four-story houses. Solid stone frames support them. A few shops boast beautiful woodwork. Number 19 housed the Delacquis silk workshops. Their ateliers were tucked away in a courtyard. Number 16 once held the Verdol company. They were one of Lyon’s largest loom makers. Their innovative mechanisms revolutionized weaving. The factory was demolished but the building at 19bis remains. It has housed several organizations including Les Restos du Coeur. Two modern housing projects contrast with the older buildings.
The street’s name honours Jules Sébastien César Dumont d’Urville. He was a 19th-century explorer. He explored the southern seas on his ship the Astrolabe. He discovered Adélie Land in Antarctica. A scientific base still bears his name. France claims 432000 square kilometers there because of his discovery. He died tragically in 1842 in a train accident. Ironically the train was on its inaugural journey between Paris and Versailles. His connection to Lyon remains unclear. Perhaps he passed through on his travels.
Today Rue Dumont d’Urville is a blend of old and new. It shows Lyon’s evolving character. It houses workshops artisans shops and residences. The Masonic temple for women is located at number 19. It has hosted exhibitions. The street is a vibrant mix of past and present. A walk along Rue Dumont d’Urville offers a glimpse into Lyon’s rich history and its enduring spirit.