Rue du Bœuf (Beef Street), Lyon

Rue du Bœuf (Beef Street) is a charming pedestrian thoroughfare located in the historic district of Old Lyon, and it holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This street serves as a prime example of Renaissance-style architecture, boasting a collection of well-preserved houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, many of which feature hidden passageways called traboules, although these are not accessible to the general public. Notably, the longest and most impressive traboule can be found at No. 27, spanning four houses and connecting to Saint John Street (Rue Saint-Jean) at No. 54.

The origins of Beef Street can be traced back to the late 3rd century AD when inhabitants of Fourvière, situated in the upper part of Lugdunum, faced water shortages and were compelled to settle along the banks of the Saône River. Over time, this settlement developed into what we now know as Old Lyon. Before 1586, it was a part of Tramassac Street, which was known for housing prosperous merchants. In the 16th century, the street acquired its current name, "Beef Street," accompanied by the installation of a sculpted cattle statue in a niche at the corner of New Saint John Square (Place Neuve Saint Jean). Furthermore, the former local mint was transformed into the Hôtel du Grollier in 1590.

The Beef Street has been home to notable residents throughout its history. One such figure was Laurent Dugas, a magistrate and writer who maintained his office here in 1711. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the renowned magician Philippe also had his office in this street, specifically on the ground floor of the Renaissance building at No. 6. A reminder of his presence can still be seen in the form of a sign in the Courtyard of Lodges (Cour des Loges).