Ever wondered what stories lie hidden between old factory walls? That is Rue Berjon. It starts beside a railway bridge on Rue Laure Diebold. Rue Berjon ends on Rue Marietton. It is between the Jeep and Volvo dealerships.
Let’s explore Rue Berjon. It began as a hub of industry in the mid-19th century. The street developed around factories and workshops. You can see the remnants of old industrial walls as you walk along Rue Berjon. These walls once enclosed bustling workshops.
One notable company, Visseaux, settled here in 1905. It later became Lampes Claudes and then SLI. For a century, they produced light bulbs. The Visseaux company closed in 2005. You can trace its history at the Musée Ampère in Poleymieux. The website visseaux.org also tells its story.
Serrurerie Collet Frères was another neighbor at number 24. Its 1950 building was studied. The heritage inventory noted its design. Sadly, the building was demolished after 2017. Parts were kept in the reconstruction.
The street’s northern section is transforming. Factories made way for urban projects. In 2017, Greenpolis opened. It appeared after the demolition. Two long buildings were built. An old house stood on the corner. A car dealership displays its wares.
By 2024, the south side of Rue Berjon remained unchanged. Greenpolis expanded on the north side. Building 30 is a concrete structure. It has unusual openings attached to two larger buildings.
Rue Berjon is named after Antoine Berjon. He was born in Vaise in 1754. Antoine Berjon died in Lyon in 1843. At the time, he lived at 2 rue Royale. Berjon was a painter. He worked first with silk. Later, he painted on canvas. His floral paintings are famous. You can see a stunning bouquet at the Musée Saint Pierre. Since 2022, more of his works are on display. They are a few meters north at the Fondation Tomaselli. Berjon also taught at the École des Beaux Arts.
Rue Berjon has seen its share of drama. In 1997, Jean Fernandez fired a rifle on Rue Berjon. Police arrested him. In custody, an officer killed him with the same rifle. The officer was imprisoned for 12 years.
In 2006, industries had left Rue Berjon. Around 2012, activity resumed as Greenpolis. By 2024, the area continued to develop.
Today, you will find a mix of businesses on Rue Berjon. The national police have an office here. There are several car dealerships. A health center is also located on Rue Berjon. You might even spot the Last Round boxing club.
Rue Berjon is a street of contrasts. Old industrial remnants meet new developments. It is a place where art, industry, and life intersect. Take a walk down Rue Berjon. Experience its unique blend of history and modernity.