Rue Jacqueline et Roland de Pury

In the heart of Lyon’s Confluence district, Rue Jacqueline et Roland de Pury stretches from Rue Smith towards Quai Perrache, a testament to a couple whose bravery echoed through the city’s wartime history. This street, once part of the bustling Marché Gare, now stands as a modern thoroughfare. It’s a quiet reminder of the past, juxtaposed against the contemporary architecture that lines its edges. The de Purys, Jacqueline and Roland, arrived in Lyon in 1938. Roland, a pastor at the Temple Lanterne, delivered a powerful sermon on July 14, 1940, attended by key figures of the French Resistance. This sermon ignited a spark of defiance in a city under occupation. Rue Jacqueline et Roland de Pury is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents the couple’s unwavering commitment to helping those persecuted during World War II. They sheltered Jews and Resistance members in their home, risking their own lives to aid others on the perilous journey between Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and Switzerland. Their courage earned them the title of “Righteous Among the Nations,” a recognition bestowed upon those who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. In 1943, Roland was arrested at the temple and imprisoned in Montluc. He was eventually released in Austria through a prisoner exchange. His experiences are documented in his writings, including “Pierres Vivantes,” available at the Librairie la Procure on Rue Henri IV. Today, Rue Jacqueline et Roland de Pury stands in a revitalized area of Lyon. The old market is gone, replaced by sleek, modern buildings. Some, like the one housing the Focus L’Orangerie coworking space, boast eco-friendly designs and offer a mix of meeting rooms, private offices, and coworking desks, open 24/7 for members. The street embodies the spirit of progress and renewal, built upon the foundations of a past marked by courage and resilience. The de Purys’ legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Their name, etched on this street, serves as a permanent tribute to their bravery and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.