Hidden from the bustling Cours Gambetta lies Rue Jeanne Koehler. A quiet street it is named after a remarkable woman. Jeanne Koehler sister of the Lumière brothers. She was a prominent figure in Lyon’s history. Known for her charitable works particularly her support of war orphans. She was one of the first women to receive the Legion of Honour.
Rue Jeanne Koehler connects Rue Guilloud to Cours Gambetta. It runs parallel to the Collège Dargent. The college stands on the site of the Lumière brothers’ photographic plate factory. This is a fascinating piece of Lyon’s history. The factory gave way to the college in 1979.
On one side of the street stands the Collège Dargent a modern building. It comprises three sections. A main building a perpendicular structure and a lower building overlooking the Cours. On the other side a striking three-part building dominates. A central tower of raw concrete joins two wings. One wing is an older building set back from a flower garden. The other wing a more imposing five-story structure dating from the mid-20th century.
Jeanne Koehler’s husband René was a renowned zoologist. He specialized in echinoderms. He published numerous works and discovered several species. He was president of the French Zoological Society. Their son Marcel was a motorcycle manufacturer. He even won the Mont Verdun hill climb race in 1913. His motorcycles went on to set world speed records.
Before it received its current name Rue Jeanne Koehler was known as Rue Saint Marc de Montplaisir. The street’s urbanization dates back to the early 19th century. Today it is home to the Collège Dargent and the Maison Jacques Cavalier. Both dedicated to education. A greening project is underway. It aims to make Rue Jeanne Koehler more vibrant and pleasant. Students and local residents are working together to transform the street. Their plans include trees benches and colourful plants. A mural is also planned. This will add even more vibrancy to the street. This is a testament to the community spirit of Lyon. It is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the remarkable woman who gives her name to this street.