Rue des Entrepôts

Can you imagine a street named after warehouses? Right here, on Rue des Entrepôts in Lyon, the name whispers tales of a bustling commercial past. Rue des Entrepôts, as you can see, stretches from Quai Gillet near Pont Clemenceau to Rue André Bonin. It’s a single, one-way street, guiding both vehicles and pedestrians on a shared path. This street reflects a fascinating blend of old and new architecture. The north side boasts five residential buildings. Number 1 is a classic, a five-story cube with a grand wooden door and offset windows. Number 3, a late 20th-century structure, rises eight stories, its balconies perched on the corners. Its facade playfully overhangs the sidewalk. At number 5, a smaller, older three-story building hides a second courtyard behind its iron gate. Number 7 is grander, an eight-story complex with various wings and balconies facing south. Its back curves gracefully onto Rue Bonin. The south side of Rue des Entrepôts is dominated by the Entrepôts school complex. This long, segmented structure, nestled between two parking lots, showcases a modern blend of metal, wood, and glass, offering glimpses into the playground within. The complex, completed in 2008, sits against a long stone wall bound by concrete, a subtle reminder of its recent renovation. Now, let’s talk about the name. “Entrepôts” means warehouses, and that’s the key to this street’s history. Rue des Entrepôts was born from the wine warehouses that once defined this district. Until the early 20th century, this area, known as the Serin district, thrived on the wine trade. In the mid-19th century, it held the prestigious title of France’s second-largest wine warehouse district, right after Bercy. The strategic location, just outside the city’s toll barrier, played a key role in this development. Today, the wine trade may be gone, but the name Rue des Entrepôts remains. It stands as a quiet testament to a vibrant past, a reminder of the commerce that once flowed through this very street. It offers a unique glimpse into Lyon’s rich history, from wine warehouses to modern schools, from architectural diversity to the legacy of a bygone era.