Rue Jean Chevailler

Lyon’s Rue Jean Chevailler whispers stories of transformation and resistance. Located between Rue Villon and Rue Paul Cazeneuve, Rue Jean Chevailler faces Rue des Serpollières. The street’s architecture reflects its evolving story. Originally lined with modest one-story houses and workshops, small two-story buildings appeared at numbers 11 and 15. More recently, a large wooden cube structure has risen between numbers 6 and 16, dramatically changing the streetscape. Rue Jean Chevailler then takes a gentle bend. Larger workshops dominate the southern side, offering glimpses of the Givaudan factory and the back of the Lycée Lumière. But Rue Jean Chevailler isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s named after Jean Chevailler, a working-class activist and member of the French Resistance. Born in 1904, Chevailler lived at 14b Rue de Nice before his execution at Fort de la Duchère in 1944. He played a role in the daring liberation of Raymond Aubrac on Boulevard des Hirondelles (formerly Boulevard des Tchécoslovaques). Some maps mistakenly list the street as “Jean Chevallier.” This is a different individual, a painter and poet whose works are displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts. Before bearing Chevailler’s name, the street was known as Rue de la Maisonnette. It was opened in the early 20th century, initially as a cul-de-sac off Rue Villon in 1912. Today, Rue Jean Chevailler houses several auto garages, a carpentry workshop, and the Lycée Lumière’s delivery entrance. The most prominent business in 2024 was Lyon sans permis. Rue Jean Chevailler stands as a quiet testament to a courageous Lyonnais and the ever-changing face of the city.