Imagine a massive rock once jutted into the Saône. That rock is the origin of Quai Pierre Scize’s name. “Pierre Scize” means “split rock”. This split allowed a road to pass. That road became Quai Pierre Scize.
The Quai Pierre Scize stretches about 1.18 kilometers. It runs from Saint-Paul to Quai Chauveau. This route follows the Saône River’s right bank. The quai owes its existence to this geological feature. The rock was cut during antiquity. This incision made way for what would become Quai Pierre Scize. A castle named Pierre Scize was later built upon this leveled spur.
Let’s talk history. In 1659, Rue Pierre Scize was already known as Rue Pierre Scize or du Bourgneuf. The Saône’s banks lacked proper quays back then. They were narrow, prone to collapse, and often flooded. Houses lined the water’s edge, especially on the right bank. The Quai de la Baleine was an exception dating back to 1640.
The late 18th century saw plans for wider quays. These quays would improve traffic flow. They would also be raised to prevent flooding. J. de Flesselles proposed this idea in 1780. It required demolishing waterfront houses. Compensating owners caused delays.
The Quai de la Baleine’s collapse and the Revolution changed things. Public authorities decided to develop the entire right bank. An order in 1794 started demolitions. Existing quays were widened. They expanded into the Saône. The ground floors of houses became half-buried. Ports with steps were built like those on the left bank.
Locals requested Quai Pierre Scize in 1801. Construction occurred from 1811 to 1828. This happened alongside the Quai de Bondy’s construction. Quai Pierre Scize was created by merging several quays in 1854. These included Quai du Bourneuf, Quai du Puits de Sel, and Quai de la Peyrollerie.
Quai de la Peyrollerie was also known as Quai d’Occident. In 1919, part of Quai Pierre Scize became Quai Chauveau. This section ran from Montée de l’Observance to beyond the Pont de Serin.
Quai Pierre Scize boasts several notable spots. The statue L’Homme de la Roche stands at number 61. The quai once ran at the foot of the Château de Pierre Scise. The castle was destroyed during the Revolution. The Tomb of the Two Lovers stood near number 2, until it was demolished in 1707.
The Quai Pierre Scize has even appeared on screen. A scene from Bertrand Tavernier’s film “L’horloger de Saint-Paul” was filmed here in 1974.
Imagine the scene. It’s the 1970s and the film crew is busy at work. Actors, lights, cameras all focused on Quai Pierre Scize. It’s just one moment in the long history of this remarkable place.
Quai Pierre Scize stands as a testament to Lyon’s history. It shows resilience and constant change. From a split rock to a bustling quai, it holds layers of stories. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet. The story of Quai Pierre Scize is etched in every stone.