Allée du Chemin de Fer

Opened in 1881, the Allée du Chemin de Fer wasn’t just a street. It was a gateway to the bustling heart of Lyon. It served as a vital artery for the Chemin de fer de l’Est de Lyon (CFEL), a local railway line. This railway connected Lyon to Saint-Genix-d’Aoste. The Allée du Chemin de Fer, especially the section near the Lyon-Est station, was a hub of activity. The CFEL’s main line spanned 72 kilometers and boasted 21 stations. It even had branches reaching Montalieu and Jallieu. Initially, the CFEL focused on freight, transporting agricultural goods, quarry materials, and cement. It also served the industrial areas around Décines, Meyzieu, and Pont-de-Chéruy. Imagine the Allée du Chemin de Fer bustling with horse-drawn trams, later replaced by steam locomotives chugging along. The line even saw the introduction of electric signaling and a block system as early as the 1920s. This made it a pioneer in French railway technology. The railway’s Lyon-Est station, located near Fort Montluc, had a unique design. Built with light materials, it was designed to be easily demolished by the fort’s cannons in case of conflict. The Allée du Chemin de Fer and the CFEL played a crucial role during World War I. They transported supplies and troops, highlighting the strategic importance of railways. By the 1930s, increasing automobile use led to a decline in passenger traffic. The CFEL shifted its focus entirely to freight. The line continued to serve industries. It notably transported coal to and cement from the Vicat factories in Montalieu. Even after the CFEL’s concession ended in 1976, the Allée du Chemin de Fer remained important. A section of the track near Lyon was transformed. It became part of Lyon’s modern tram line T3 and the Rhônexpress airport shuttle. Although freight traffic eventually ceased, the Allée du Chemin de Fer’s legacy continues. It reminds us of a time when the rhythmic clatter of trains echoed along this path, shaping the industrial and social landscape of Lyon’s eastern suburbs.