Rue Saint-Nestor

Can a street whisper secrets of the past? Here on Rue Saint-Nestor, it certainly feels that way. Rue Saint-Nestor stretches from Rue Santos Dumont eastward to Rue Antoine Lumière. This street, born in the mid-19th century during the Monplaisir development, has seen remarkable changes. Its current character emerged largely in the latter half of the 20th century and continues to evolve today. Rue Saint-Nestor isn’t just a street; it’s a blend of architectural styles. The north side boasts a continuous row of buildings. The south side offers a different experience. Set-back buildings, often freestanding, create a unique rhythm. A charming dirt path, bordered by large stones, graces the initial stretch of the south side. Across from Rue Pensier, a public garden extends this tranquil atmosphere. Notice the elegant building that begins with a point on Rue Santos and curves gracefully onto Rue Pensier. Its counterpart mirrors this curve directly across the street. Further along, you’ll find a twelve-story building, followed by another public garden and more building clusters. Past Rue Saint-Gervais, the south side features buildings set back behind parking areas. A single house stands among two larger structures, one of which dates to 1979. The north side presents a varied mix of buildings, houses, and workshops. The houses seem almost dwarfed by the larger structures. At the intersection with Rue Villon, the distinctive tower of the Hospices Civils dominates the landscape. Its unique design has inspired two striking, angled corners. The grounds of the Hospices open onto a courtyard at number 22. Around Rue Saint Maurice, three large buildings frame two parking areas on the south side. The street narrows towards its end, with buildings rising up to eight stories. A few older houses remain on the south side, starting at number 30, including one with a grand light stone portal at number 32. On the north side, a gap reveals the Église Saint-Maurice. A gated entrance at number 35 hints at the Jardin Biot, though it remains closed to the public. Rue Saint-Nestor also reveals a glimpse into Lyon’s transportation history. The HCL, Lyon’s public transit system, has a site on Rue Villon, designated as a historical monument. Two auto garages, a bar, a psychologist’s office, a company, and a public garden also call this street home. And who was Saint Nestor? One was a bishop martyred in 251. Another was a chronicler of early Christianity in Russia. This street bears witness to the vision of Henry des Tournelles, who named Monplaisir’s streets after admired saints. Rue Saint-Nestor, a quiet street in Lyon, holds stories within its stones and whispers of the past to those who listen closely.