A stone whispers secrets. Rue Vaubecour in Lyon’s Ainay quarter. Its very name echoes history. François Joseph Henri de Nettancourt-Vaubécourt d’Haussonville. An abbot commendataire of Ainay Abbey. A bishop of Montauban. He opened this street in 1728. He transformed the abbey gardens. He created Rue Vaubecour.
Before Vaubécourt’s intervention Rue Vaubecour was known as Rue Saint-Martin. It ran from Place Antoine-Vollon to Place Gensoul. Its narrow path connected other Lyon streets. Rue Bourgelat Rue Franklin Rue de Castries and Rue de Condé crossed its way. Rue Jarente even began on Rue Vaubecour. Today the street is one-way. Traffic flows north. Cars park on both sides. Three TCL lines stop here.
The area was once populated by wine merchants. They were active during the Roman era. They resided on the Ainay island. They conducted their business here. Their legacy lives on in the streets’ very foundations.
Rue Vaubecour holds more than just commerce. Number 4 bears a plaque. It marks the home of the Comte de Fayet de Montjoye. He was murdered by the militia on December 9 1943. This sobering detail reminds us of a dark chapter in French history.
At number 15 lies a hidden gem. The courtyard hides a Renaissance portal. This is a remnant of the Ainay Abbey’s palatial past. It is a silent testament to the abbey’s power and influence.
Number 24 bis once housed Alexandre Rey. He was a Lyon-based printer. He was a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. His life’s work is intertwined with Rue Vaubecour’s story.
Another resident of note was chemist Hélène Metzger. She was arrested at number 28 on February 8 1944. This street has witnessed both triumph and tragedy.
In 1891 Gaspard-Félix Guillot opened a free dental clinic at number 32. He provided care to the less fortunate. The clinic eventually closed for lack of funds. The spirit of social responsibility he embodied continues to resonate.
Even Charles Maurras sought refuge at number 34 in 1944. He had previously resided on Rue Franklin. This street has provided sanctuary during times of upheaval.
Walk along Rue Vaubecour. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet. The stories embedded in its stones continue to echo. They resonate with the pulse of Lyon itself. Rue Vaubecour it is more than just a street. It is a living testament to a city’s rich and complex past.