Rue Saint-Jérôme

What secrets does Rue Saint-Jérôme hold? This street, nestled in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement, whispers tales of transformation and history. Rue Saint-Jérôme isn’t just a street; it’s a journey through time. It begins at Avenue Jean Jaurès, near Rue de la Thibaudière. It then stretches southward, culminating at the intersection of Avenue Berthelot and Rue Servant, directly across from Guillotière Station. The street is a fascinating mix of architectural styles. The western side boasts a charming row of facades facing a decorative garden. A lone fir tree stands tall in a giant basket, a quirky touch to the urban landscape. Further down, after Rue Reinach, the western alignment continues, overlooking a parking area and the backs of buildings on Avenue Jaurès. Modern structures from the late 20th century appear after Rue Chevrier. One building stands out with its striking row of columns, adorned with greenery at the base. Past Rue de l’Université, the western side features a glass building and a low-slung workshop. The eastern side presents a diverse array of facades, including a large archway leading to a courtyard at number 25. Number 27 catches the eye with its beautiful windows. The intersection of Rue Chevreul and Rue Renan created a unique architectural challenge, resulting in facades facing various directions. Parking on Rue Chevreul effectively splits Rue Saint-Jérôme into two separate sections. The next part of Rue Saint-Jérôme showcases a mix of 1900s facades with their ornate stone garlands and simpler 1950s designs. A large workshop at number 51 features a small, transverse upper floor that diminishes as it approaches the intersection. Beyond Rue Jaboulay, the western side runs alongside a TCL depot, while the eastern side curves with six-story balconies, followed by a substantial eight-story building. In 2017, significant construction began on the western side, replacing older structures with modern concrete buildings. Rue Saint-Jérôme concludes between a small workshop shaded by trees and a larger two-story building undergoing renovation at the corner of Avenue Berthelot. The street’s namesake, Saint Jerome, was a prolific scholar born in Stridon, Croatia, around 340 AD. He died in Bethlehem in 420 AD. He translated the Bible into Latin, earning him the title of Doctor of the Church and patron saint of librarians and translators. Interestingly, Saint Jerome documented Lyon’s decline under the later Roman emperors. Today, Rue Saint-Jérôme thrives with life, offering a mix of businesses. Five restaurants, a bar, a grocery store, a car repair shop, and various other services line the street, showcasing its modern vibrancy against the backdrop of its rich history.