Do you hear the echoes of history whispering as we stand here on Rue Meynis? This street, seemingly ordinary, holds a story woven with threads of industry and revolution.
Rue Meynis is not just a street. It is a passage, a connection between different parts of Lyon’s urban fabric. Rue Meynis begins on Rue Antoine Charial. It sits between a sports complex and the Emilie de Vialar clinic. Rue Meynis extends from Rue Paul Bert. It ends at Avenue Félix Faure. Cars travel in one direction here. They move from Avenue Félix Faure towards Rue Paul Bert.
The passage section of Rue Meynis might not strike you as particularly elegant. A fence partially hides the park and the clinic’s long, single-story structure on the east side. On the west side, it runs alongside a concrete flank. Then it passes two basketball courts. Finally, there is another building flank. This one features two structures joined by a gallery.
Looking towards the Rue Paul Bert end of Rue Meynis, notice the buildings. They have cut-off corners and complicated overhangs. These buildings rise six stories high. Further along, the buildings become smaller. Simple structures at numbers 3 and 5 stand just two or three stories tall.
As Rue Meynis reaches its end, the Meynis school comes into view. This long stone building has a playground that marks the corner. The school replaced a concrete workshop. This workshop belonged to a tap factory. A saw-tooth factory was also here. It was later converted into a car garage.
The street bears the name of Joseph Meynis. He was a sheet metal manufacturer. Meynis owned the land where the street was built. Joseph Meynis’s legacy is more than just a name on a street sign. He represents the industrial spirit of this area.
During the French Revolution, a Meynis became a prominent figure. He was active in the municipal sections. Dominique Meynis, who lived from 1800 to 1887, served as secretary. He worked for the Propagation of the Faith. Dominique was also involved in the Confraternity of the Martyrs of Saint Irénée.
In 1884, another Meynis published “Petit Portefeuille Lyonnais”. This book chronicled the history of Lyon. It reveals the family’s deep connection to the city.
Rue Meynis itself has a relatively recent history. In 1906, the city purchased the land to build the school. This marked the opening of the street. The passage section is even newer. It appeared on a map in 1985. Yet it was absent in 1974. It took its current form in the early 21st century.
Today, the Meynis elementary and nursery schools stand opposite a tap factory. This juxtaposition of education and industry reflects the diverse character of Rue Meynis. It is a street that embodies Lyon’s past and present.
So, as we continue our tour, remember Joseph Meynis. He was the man who shaped this street. Think about the school children who fill its sidewalks. Imagine the workers who once toiled in the factories nearby. Rue Meynis is more than just a passage. It is a living testament to Lyon’s rich history.