“Ever wondered about the story behind the name of this street? Rue Édouard Nieuport isn’t just another road in Lyon. It carries the legacy of a remarkable man.
Édouard de Niéport was born in Blida in 1875. He died near Verdun in 1911. He was more than just an aviator. He was a pioneer.
Initially, Nieuport gained fame as a cycling champion. Later, he became a prominent figure in the world of aviation. He founded an aircraft manufacturing company under the name Nieuport.
Nieuport wasn’t just a manufacturer. He was a pilot too. He personally flew his aircraft. He even broke two world speed records. Tragically, he died while landing his Nieuport IV.
His company lived on after his death. Nieuport aircraft played a significant role in the aerial battles of World War I. Though not from Lyon, Nieuport’s planes used Gnome Rhône engines.
Let’s talk about the Rue Édouard Nieuport itself. The street was created in the early 20th century. In 1930, the city decided to install sewers and pave the road.
As you look around Rue Édouard Nieuport, notice the architecture. The main section runs alongside the Mermoz hospital. You see the parking area and a building with angled stone walls. Above that sits a second story made of wood. Then there’s the zinc-covered building. It features a double ramp. Ambulances use it to reach the emergency entrance. Finally, there’s the rounded glass-covered section facing Avenue Mermoz.
On the other side of the street, you’ll see a lower and more irregular alignment. It consists of houses workshops and a couple of small buildings. There is also a factory with a chalet-style facade. Except for a small recessed building at number 27, everything is old. At number 3, a boules court reveals a house set back from the street. It has a prominent balcony and a sun decoration above the red windows. The entrance is marked by two barrels.
The newer section of Rue Édouard Nieuport is completely modern. The buildings display irregular angles. They face Avenue Mermoz and Rue Morat. Here, you’ll find office buildings and residential buildings. The western side is still under construction.
Today Rue Édouard Nieuport is home to several businesses. There are industrial companies a bar with a terrace and a pizzeria. They are joined by the Mermoz hospital. The hospital includes a cancer institute and a vascular medicine center.
In 2012, the clinic acquired the world’s smallest flexible microscope. This advanced technology is used to examine patients. Medical facilities continue to expand along the street. In 2019, surgery and anesthesia centers opened opposite the hospital.
Rue Édouard Nieuport stands as a testament to innovation in aviation and healthcare. It links the legacy of Édouard Nieuport with the ongoing progress of Lyon.”