Can you imagine a poet so beloved by his city that they named a street after him? Here on Rue Joséphin Soulary, we celebrate just such a man. Rue Joséphin Soulary, nestled on the slopes of Croix-Rousse in Lyon’s 4th arrondissement, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. This street honors the life and work of Joséphin Soulary, a prominent Lyonnais poet. Born Joseph Marie Soulary in Lyon in 1815, he carved a unique path for himself, balancing a civil servant’s life with his poetic passion. Rue Joséphin Soulary was originally part of the Chemin des Gloriettes. Soulary lived at number 31, then known as 31 rue des Gloriettes, until his death in 1891. A medallion bearing his likeness still adorns the building today.
Soulary’s life was not without its hardships. Rejected by his parents at birth, he experienced a difficult childhood, moving from place to place. He held various odd jobs while nurturing his love for poetry. At sixteen, he joined the 48th Line Regiment, serving for five years. During this time, his early poems began to emerge.
After his military service, under the patronage of the prefect Hippolyte-Paul Jaÿr, an admirer of his poetry, Soulary secured a position at the prefecture. He steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming head of department. He later served as curator at the Library of the Palais des Arts and eventually Inspector General of all Lyon’s libraries. He dedicated his life to both his administrative duties and his literary pursuits. This dual commitment earned him the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in 1863 and the Knight of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus of Italy in 1864. He published numerous collections of poetry, including “À travers champs,” “Les Cinq cordes du luth,” and the critically acclaimed “Sonnets humoristiques.”
As you wander along Rue Joséphin Soulary, you’ll notice the street’s diverse architecture. The upper section, from Rue de Belfort to Rue Thévenet, features classic 19th-century Croix-Rousse buildings. The narrow, winding mid-section, with its old stone walls and charming entrances, offers a glimpse into the past. As you descend the staircase towards the Rhône, imagine Soulary taking the same path, inspired by the views of the river, the city, and the lush vegetation of Parc de la Tête d’Or. He was a master of the sonnet form, earning him the nickname “Benvenuto of rhyme.” His work touched on various themes, from the humorous to the deeply personal.
Rue Joséphin Soulary stands not only as a pathway but also as a testament to a poet’s legacy. A man who, despite a challenging beginning, rose to become a celebrated figure in Lyon. His words continue to resonate with readers today. One of his lines, “Tout bonheur que la main n’atteint pas n’est qu’un rêve!” (All happiness that the hand does not reach is but a dream!), was even echoed by musician Jacques Higelin. As you leave Rue Joséphin Soulary, carry with you the memory of this remarkable poet and the charming street that bears his name.