The Rue du Bœuf, like the Rue Saint-Jean, was created to the late 3rd century after the inhabitants of Fourvière, the upper town of Lugdunum, were deprived of water and forced to descend to the Saône to gradually build a whole neighborhood, where is the current Vieux Lyon.

[5] In the 16th century, when a statue of cattle was carved, located in the niche that is at the corner of the Place Neuve Saint Jean, the street received its current name.

[6] The statue was first attributed to Jean de Bologne, then to Martin Hendricy, from Liège, who went in Lyon circa 1640.

[8] Long time ago, on the side of the hill, there were terraces, gardens and stables with an entrance on the montée Saint-Barthélémy.

[3] Famous people who live here include magistrate and writer Laurent Dugas who had his office in the street in 1711.