Rue Voltaire

Mid-19th century Rue Voltaire emerged. It stands as a testament to Lyon’s growth. Rue Voltaire is located in the 3rd arrondissement. It stretches from Rue Servient to Rue des Rancy. The street’s namesake is none other than François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire. This celebrated French writer and philosopher, a key figure of the Enlightenment, left an indelible mark on French intellectual history. Rue Voltaire’s location has shifted over time. Until the construction of the Lyon Courthouse in 1995, the street began at Rue Bonnel. The courthouse project reshaped the urban landscape, extending Rue Voltaire to its current starting point. Originally, Rue Voltaire developed alongside the expansion of the Guillotière district. This area, with its rich history, adds another layer to the street’s narrative. Interestingly, Voltaire himself had connections to Lyon. He was elected as an associate to the Lyon Academy in 1745. He even visited the city in 1754, attending a conference at the academy and witnessing performances of his plays. Imagine him strolling down the very streets we walk today, perhaps even envisioning a street bearing his name. Rue Voltaire stands as more than just a street. It is a vibrant piece of Lyon’s urban fabric, woven with threads of history, literature, and philosophy.