Hidden within Lyon’s vibrant fabric lies Rue Jean Fournier. A winding street it sits nestled in the south of La Duchère. It begins near Avenue du Château. Then it curves east briefly before turning north. It faces Rue des Fougères ending in a cul-de-sac. Footpaths allow pedestrians to continue. They emerge onto Boulevard de la Duchère. This is opposite Boulevard de Balmont.
Rue Jean Fournier offers breathtaking views. From its higher elevation you can see Vaise. The Fourvière and Croix-Rousse hills also come into view. The first part of the street passes under an archway. This is beneath the Rue du Château building. It opens to reveal a medical and social center. Several smaller concrete buildings are here. These are part of the Fougères school. They are located to the south as you descend the hill. A curious square concrete building is in the corner. This is the Maison de l’Enfance. Its slanted walls make it resemble a dungeon. A row of windows sits at the top. A slate roof covers the building. A geometric artwork adorns its east side.
To the north the east side of the street borders a children’s playground and a parking lot. It overlooks Rue des Fougères. The west side has a row of garages. Above them is the Château shopping center. Stairs lead to a large paved area behind the buildings. This is opposite a high-rise building. The roadway slightly climbs to connect to a Rue du Château ramp. Then it descends. It runs under the boulevard’s embankment. Four square buildings stand here. Each is separated by its own parking area and grassy gardens.
Between the last two high-rises is a small playground. Another small area features four benches between low walls. This is at the far north in a grove of trees. The street’s namesake is a mystery. It may be Jean Francisque Fournier. He was a Lyon native an electrician and city council member. Victor Fournier was a pioneer of advertising in Lyon newspapers. Jean François Fournier painted the fresco Mes Gloires du Lyonnais et du Beaujolais. He completed this in 1894 for the Rhône General Council hall. Pierre Eugène Fournier was a director and governor. He was also head of the SNCF during the war. Brothers Frédéric Claudius and Henri Fournier died in World War I. Christophe Fournier contributed to a Lyon street series comic book. Fabien Fournier worked for a Lyon publication in 2022.
The Duchère neighborhood was developed in the 1960s. Rue Jean Fournier plays an important part. This small street tells a big story. It is a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The shopping center offers food options. The Maison de l’Enfance provides childcare services. This is a place of community. It is also a place of history and beauty. It’s a street worth remembering. A street worth exploring.