Rue Montvert

High above the city, Rue Montvert commands a breathtaking view. This street, perched on a rise, offers a unique perspective on Lyon’s history. Rue Montvert wasn’t always the serene, residential street it is today. It once held the proud Chateau de Montvert. This castle, documented by Emile Salomon in 1938, featured a prominent round tower and a smaller turret. The chateau stood on a hill accessed by the small Rue Victor de Laprade, branching off Avenue Rockefeller. This hill, sadly, no longer exists. It was leveled in 1954, changing the landscape dramatically. The area where the Chateau de Montvert stood is now occupied by modern buildings. Imagine standing on Rue Montvert in the early 20th century. You would have seen the chateau’s imposing structure, its round tower reaching towards the sky. The surrounding area was a mix of woods and vineyards, giving the hill its name, Mont Vert (Green Mountain), which later became Montvert. The castle, built on this prominent spot, adopted the area’s name. Rue Montvert itself remained a quiet cul-de-sac with houses on both sides for much of the 20th century. The construction of Boulevard Paré in the late 1980s drastically altered its character, giving it the unusual layout we see today. Even after the chateau’s demolition, remnants of its history remained. Old walls, foundations, bones, tiles, coins, and various artifacts were frequently unearthed. A large, well-preserved underground cistern, built with dressed stone, was situated beneath the main tower. Before the 1954 construction, locals would gather on the grassy slopes near Rue Montvert to watch the Bastille Day fireworks. This spot provided an excellent vantage point, offering spectacular views of the illuminated city. Today, as you walk along Rue Montvert, take a moment to imagine the chateau that once stood here, a silent testament to Lyon’s rich past.