Was Jean-Antoine Papon thinking of future tourists when he supported Lyon’s working women? Rue de l’Abbé Papon is named for this very man. It is a public road in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement. Today we will explore its story.
Rue de l’Abbé Papon stretches from Rue Joliot-Curie to the Route de Brignais. It lies in the Alaï district. The street is Lyon’s westernmost street in the 5th arrondissement. Once called Chemin de la Petite-Garenne it was renamed.
Jean-Antoine Papon lived from 1868 to 1924. He founded the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes sanatorium in Lyon. He established another in Saint-Genis-l’Argentière. The city council decided to honor him by naming this street Rue de l’Abbé Papon.
In 1868 records show it was known as Chemin de la Petite-Garenne. Rue de la Garenne is south of Rue de l’Abbé Papon. It got its name from an estate. Records mention it from 1882.
At number 1 on Rue de l’Abbé Papon is the local interest committee La Plaine Lyon 5e. Odd numbers 1 to 23 are apartments. They share a private driveway. Even numbers 4 to 10 are villas. Gardens sit below the Alaï train station tracks. Cars can only drive from north to south. Cyclists can use a contraflow lane.
The street has existed since the 19th century. Back then it was in the countryside near Chauderasse. Lyon expanded and the street took shape around 2000. This happened when the residential complex was built.
Jean Papon helped found the Saint Jean family home. It was for isolated working women. He also opened a hospital for tuberculosis patients on Rue des Macchabées. In 1906 Abbé Papon bought ten acres of land. He planned to build the Notre Dame de Lourdes hospice there.
Rue de l’Abbé Papon is more than just a street. It connects neighborhoods. It also carries the name of a man who cared for Lyon’s people. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of past and present. Consider Papon’s legacy of compassion as you pass by.