Did you know that Rue du Professeur Grignard in Lyon was once called Rue de la Lône? This quiet street in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement holds a fascinating history. It begins near the Quai Claude Bernard a beautiful spot along the Saône River. The street itself is named after Victor Grignard. He was a renowned chemist who won the Nobel Prize in 1912 for his discovery of Grignard reagents. Grignard lived at 4 Rue Volney. That’s just a short walk from the street that bears his name. He studied at the nearby science faculty. He even served as the director of Lyon’s chemistry institute. This was in 1926.
The architecture along Rue du Professeur Grignard is diverse. Solid stone buildings three to five stories high line the street’s early part. These buildings have beautifully decorated windows. One impressive building at number 8 has a curved facade. It’s quite striking. Later sections of the street show a mix of styles. There are larger residential buildings and smaller houses. Construction has also changed the look of the street. In 2017 a large white cube was built near the former site of the Saint Joseph hospital. New residential buildings are also found there. These new buildings show the ongoing evolution of the area.
The street also has a connection to a tragic event. On May 4 1916 the Saint Joseph hospital. That was at number 7. It was unable to save Archbishop Hector Irénée Sevin. He had been the Archbishop of Lyon since 1912. The street has seen various businesses. There was once an automobile factory at number 2. Today you can find shops. There is a bakery a grocery store and even a student residence.
Rue du Professeur Grignard has seen a lot of change. From its beginnings as Rue de la Lône to its present-day name. It reflects both Lyon’s history and its ongoing development. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture. Remember the Nobel laureate whose work is honored here. It’s a street that tells a story. It is a story of science progress and the enduring spirit of Lyon.