Hidden in Lyon’s heart Rue Saint-Maximin unfolds its story. This unassuming street boasts a rich past. It begins near Rue du Dauphiné. Its straight path leads east to Rue Rebatel. Traffic flows westward along Rue Saint-Maximin.
The street’s entrance curves gracefully from Rue du Dauphiné. Two small squares adorned with shrubs and iron chairs nestle here. These offer peaceful spots under shady trees. The initial stretch of Rue Saint-Maximin is narrow. Houses line its sides. Two stand out their beauty enhanced by their location. One graces the corner of Rue Rossan. The other sits at number 9 at the corner of Rue des Tuiliers.
Beyond Rue des Tuiliers Rue Saint-Maximin widens. This allows angled parking along its side. The street’s end is dominated by modern buildings. Five or six stories high their balconies add visual interest. A large residence occupies the south side between Rue des Tuiliers and Rue Villon. It surrounds a large garden visible through its three large double entryways. Number 17 is an exception. It’s an older recessed concrete pediment at least fifty years old.
The southern corner after Rue Sisley shows the area’s early development. A large house stands within grounds. Beautiful trees peek over the wall. Rue Saint-Maximin ends broadly. A second row of parked cars lines the street. The facades display many balconies. The exception is the large building from number 46 to 56. Its balconies face its garden. A small square with benches and a children’s play area interrupts the southern alignment.
The street’s dedication reflects the Comte des Tournelles’ preference. He sold the land. There are two Saint Maximins. One evangelized Aix. He lent his name to a town in Provence. Perhaps this is our Saint Maximmin. Another was the Bishop of Trèves.
The Sans Soucis district was established in 1827. This was after the Comte des Tournelles sold his estate. Rue Saint-Maximin’s present appearance mostly dates from the late 20th century. A row of solidarity trees was planted in 2005. They bring vibrant colours in spring and autumn. In May 2020 a tragedy struck. A neighbour’s Scrabble game ended in a fatal stabbing. Earlier that year another incident involved a woman falling from a window. This was during a police inquiry on prostitution.
Medical professionals are well represented on Rue Saint-Maximin. A dozen or so practice there. Socotec occupies a building with its training department along with three other companies. A Russian grocery store stands there too. A bar a video rental store and a bibliobus stop complete the local services. Rue Saint-Maximin. A quiet street with a rich history. A place where past and present intertwine.