Rue Jeunet

Hidden in plain sight, Rue Jeunet stretches before us, a street whispering stories of a Lyon few know. This street, once part of the Champagne estate, tells a tale of transformation. Imagine the vast estate at the end of the 19th century. A portion of it became the Invalides Hospital, marking the area south of what is now Rue Jeunet. The street itself is a much more recent addition to Lyon’s urban fabric, a product of the latter half of the 20th century. Every building along Rue Jeunet sprung up in this era. On the east side, you’ll find residential buildings. Four six-story cube-like structures give way to a long, linear building and another perpendicular one, all nestled amidst gardens and parking lots. The west side offers a different view. A wall initially obscures the long annex buildings of the hospital. Further along, three concrete structures belonging to Les Gémeaux school emerge, backed by sports fields. A smaller, three-story building marks the corner of Rue Charcot. The street itself is named after a landowner, Jeunet, whose property became the very ground Rue Jeunet occupies. Interestingly, another Jeunet, Eugène, has a presence in Lyon’s history. A Resistance fighter, he tragically died a prisoner in 1944. His name is etched on the wall of Montluc Prison on Rue du Dauphiné. Today, Rue Jeunet pulsates with life. It’s home to the Beaumarchais sports association, a daycare center, Les Gémeaux school, and even the company Ambiance et Matière. At the corner of Rue Pierre Valdo, a small square offers a Velo’v bike station, benches, and glass recycling bins. So, as you walk along Rue Jeunet, remember that beneath its modern façade lies a rich tapestry of history. From a sprawling estate to a bustling street, Rue Jeunet embodies the constant evolution of Lyon.