Rue Jeanne Hachette

Hidden within Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement lies Rue Jeanne Hachette, a street echoing with a tale of courage. This isn’t the Beauvais where Jeanne Hachette famously defended her city. Yet, the Lyon street bearing her name connects us to her spirit. Rue Jeanne Hachette begins modestly at Rue Mouton-Duvernet, near the somber walls of Montluc Prison. It stretches eastward, then bends northward around the prison, concluding at Avenue Félix Faure. This street, once a mere “impasse” or dead-end until 1994, now fully embodies the spirit of its namesake. Jeanne Laisnè, nicknamed “Hachette,” meaning “hatchet,” was a woman of resilience. While her birthdate remains uncertain, circa 1454, her courageous act in 1472 etched her name in history. During the siege of Beauvais by Charles the Bold, Jeanne is said to have repelled a Burgundian soldier with her hatchet, preventing him from planting his flag on the city walls. Her bravery ignited the defenders and the women of Beauvais, contributing to the city’s successful resistance. King Louis XI, recognizing her valor, granted Beauvais tax exemptions and honored the women who fought. He even sanctioned Jeanne’s marriage to her beloved, Colin Pilon. This Lyon street, named in her honor, runs alongside the historic Montluc Prison. Montluc, a former military prison built in 1921, became a place of internment and torture under the Gestapo during World War II. Thousands were imprisoned within its walls, and hundreds were tragically executed. Today, Montluc stands as a National Memorial, preserving the stories of resilience and suffering. As you stand on Rue Jeanne Hachette, the proximity of this memorial adds another layer of significance. The street named for a woman who defended her city against an invading force now borders a site where many resisted oppression. Jeanne Hachette’s courage echoes in the spirit of those who were held and who perished within Montluc’s walls.