Lost in Lyon’s labyrinthine streets you stumble upon Rue Rast Maupas. A short dead-end street it holds a fascinating history. Named after Jean Louis Rast dit Rast Maupas this unassuming street tells the story of Lyon’s silk industry. Rast Maupas a significant figure in 18th-century Lyon invented a process for conditioning silk. This innovation revolutionized the industry allowing for better quality control. His method was so important that the street was named in his honor in 1858.
Before the street’s creation the area was part of the Clos Flandrin a walled enclosure. The demolition of the city’s ramparts allowed for construction. The construction of the tunnel de la ficelle however interrupted the street’s original length. A portion intended to connect to a boulevard was lost. Today it remains a dead end. The tunnel now runs beneath the street a hidden layer of Lyon’s history.
The western side of Rue Rast Maupas features two simple houses. The eastern side is dominated by a tall blank wall. This wall surprisingly hides the beautiful portal of the Saint Francois d’Assise community. Number 17 houses both the community and the Apprendre et Comprendre after school tutoring association. The chapel within the community hosts masses as part of the Pentes parish.
Rast Maupas’ legacy extends beyond silk. He was also a renowned agronomist. He developed a grafting technique still used today. His impact on both agriculture and industry shaped 18th century Lyon. Rue Rast Maupas silently pays homage to a man who influenced silk and agriculture. It is a testament to his contributions a hidden gem in Lyon’s rich tapestry.