A Parisian street named Rue Littré. That’s what initially comes to mind. But we’re in Lyon aren’t we? This Rue Littré is different. It’s tucked away a hidden gem in Lyon.
This unassuming street named after Émile Littré a renowned French lexicographer. His monumental dictionary shaped French language and culture. Rue Littré though isn’t a grand boulevard. It’s intimate a quiet residential street. It offers a glimpse into Lyon’s history.
The street opened in 1908. Builders Robert and Chollat constructed the houses. They’re a testament to early 20th-century Lyon architecture. The houses are simple. They’re charming in their uniformity. Imagine laundry hanging on lines. Children playing in small gardens.
Number 10 holds a special place in Rue Littré’s story. Milan Kundera the celebrated Czech author lived there in the early 1980s. His Parisian apartment inspired his writing. One can almost sense his presence. His words filling the air. He shared this building with his wife Vera Hrabankova. Their time here remains a part of this street’s unique history.
Another notable resident was Charles Merveilleux du Vignaux. This early inhabitant adds to the street’s rich past. He spent his youth in one of the houses. Rue Littré’s quiet life belies a vibrant past.
At numbers 2-6 stands a school. The École maternelle et élémentaire publique Littré. This school continues the legacy of the street’s namesake. The children studying there a modern chapter in the street’s long story. It’s a continuation of the spirit of learning.
Rue Littré a simple street. It holds a wealth of history. Its quiet charm a tribute to its past residents. It whispers stories of writers scholars and children. It’s a captivating story waiting to be discovered. A walk down Rue Littré is a journey. A journey through time.