Is it possible that this large intersection holds stories of journeys to verdant hills? Here at the Rond-Point des Monts d’Or, history and roads converge.
This is the Rond-Point des Monts d’Or. It is more than just a place where roads meet. It is a historical point of passage. It once marked the route to the Monts d’Or. These golden hills form Lyon’s northern horizon.
Imagine stagecoaches and early automobiles navigating this junction. They were headed towards the promise of the countryside. The Monts d’Or themselves offer an escape. They give panoramic views. The Monts d’Or also offer hiking trails. Their distinctive shape is marked by a tower and two prominent spheres atop their peaks. The highest point is Mont Verdun. It reaches 642 meters.
Now let us consider the architecture around the Rond-Point des Monts d’Or. The roads create a somewhat confusing layout for drivers today. Each street is separated by a single building. The northern building has a single window across its six floors. It also features a decorated mezzanine with a blue frieze. The building between Rue de Saint Cyr and Rue Salengro is harmonious. It has three floors. Five windows adorn each floor. Two pointed roofs accent each corner. To the east the building hides behind a cluster of trees. It opens onto Rue Salengro. The southern building is also concealed. Two plane trees stand in its courtyard. If you approach it, you can see the restaurant menu. You can also observe the staircase set back from the building’s two sections.
Let us go back in time. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Port des Pattes bustled with activity. It already had some houses and a cross. Then in 1910, Lyon’s first reinforced concrete building appeared here. It is seemingly the youngest structure on the square. Later in the 20th century the quai underwent significant expansion. This expansion accommodated the increasing flow of cars.
Today the Rond-Point des Monts d’Or still serves as a vital crossroads. A Cambodian restaurant offers culinary delights. A florist adds beauty to the area. A home services company provides assistance to residents.
As you stand here at the Rond-Point des Monts d’Or look towards the Saône. Notice the views. The Pont Masaryk and Quai Gillet lie upstream. The Pont Clemenceau and Fourvière are downstream. Consider the blend of history, architecture, and nature that defines this location. This is a place where the past connects with the present. It is a gateway to both the city and the hills beyond.