“Architects deserve recognition.” That thought might cross your mind as we stand on Rue Mansard in Lyon. This street pays homage to celebrated French architects. Originally named Rue Percier it honored Charles Percier. Percier died four years before the street’s opening. In 1864 the street was renamed Rue Mansard. It commemorates the Mansart family particularly François Mansart and his nephew Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
Rue Mansard’s story began in 1842. The buildings on the north side reflect this era. You can see the architecture of that time. The south side tells a different story. Its buildings showcase Haussmannian style and designs from the 1930s. This side was constructed later.
At number 3 you will find a special establishment. It is the restaurant À la Cloche d’Or. This brasserie exudes provincial inn charm. In the 1920s Anatole Désiré Moreau and his brother Arsène ran it. Anatole and Kathleen Sarah Buckley an English dancer from the “Tiller Girls” had a daughter here. This was Jeanne Moreau the future actress born in 1928.
During the 1930s La Cloche d’Or stayed open until morning. It became a favorite spot for artists. Music hall stars singers actors comedians and night owls gathered here. They came after their shows to unwind. In 1958 Marie-Louise Bousquet a fashion editor hosted a dinner for Yves Saint Laurent here. Raymonde Zehnacker Bernard Buffet and Pierre Bergé also attended. It was here that the couturier met his future patron mentor and lover Pierre Bergé.
Painter Nicolas Maxime Leboucher had a studio at number 5 bis. He passed away in 1886.
Number 15 once housed a physical culture hall. During the Occupation Victor Waintz a former boxing champion managed it. Music hall and circus performers practiced here. Trapezists contortionists and hand-to-hand duos like “Les Carletti” and “Les Athéna” rehearsed regularly. Stanley Barry’s “Barry Ballet” with prima ballerina Louly Obolenska also used the space. Film stars and celebrities concerned about fitness frequented this gymnasium.
So Rue Mansard is more than just a street. It’s a journey through architectural styles artistic history and even a bit of romance. As you stroll along remember the architects the artists and the stories etched into these buildings. They all played a part in shaping this unique corner of Lyon.