Rue Fernand Rey

Fernand Rey. A name whispered on the winds of Lyon, echoing along the gentle slope of Rue Fernand Rey. This street, nestled between the Saint Vincent and Sathonay districts, tells a tale of two eras. Rue Fernand Rey begins where Rue de l’Annonciade, Rue Burdeau, and Rue du Jardin des Plantes converge. It gracefully descends towards Rue du Sergent Blandan, bisected by Place Fernand Rey. The northern end of Rue Fernand Rey culminates in a staircase. This staircase extends the Montée des Carmélites, a pathway steeped in history as an ancient route towards the Rhine. The division of Rue Fernand Rey by the square is more than just physical. It’s a temporal divide. The northern part, shaped by the opening of Rue du Jardin des Plantes around 1850, stands in stark contrast to the older southern section. This southern portion predates the 19th-century expansion that stormed the hill and redrew the city’s boundaries. It offers a glimpse into Lyon’s past, a time when Rue Fernand Rey formed the city’s northern edge. Today, buildings of four to seven stories line Rue Fernand Rey. The architecture reflects the street’s dual nature. On the west side, number 2 stands tall above the archway leading to the impasse, its balconies jutting out. It sits beside the narrow facade of number 6, followed by number 8, which curves gently to meet Rue Bouteille. On the east side, the corner building on Rue du Jardin des Plantes showcases large windows on the first level and capped windows higher up. The street has changed little since its creation. One exception is the building at number 6, which appears to date back to the 1980s. The street bears the name of Fernand Rey, a man who served as deputy mayor from 1931. Born in Lyon on March 29, 1874, he lived nearby at 9 Rue du Jardin des Plantes. His life intertwined with the very streets that now bear his name, a testament to his contribution to the city he called home.