Rue Émile Combes

What secrets does Rue Émile Combes hold? This street whispers stories of a bygone era. It begins near Place du Bachut and ends at Lycée Lurçat on Rue Ludovic Arrachart. Rue Émile Combes isn’t just a street; it’s a journey through time. Imagine strolling past modest single-story houses with small gardens, a snapshot of Lyon’s past. The street is punctuated by roundabouts adorned with plane trees, offering a touch of nature amidst the urban landscape. As you continue along Rue Émile Combes, notice the shift in architecture. The houses transform, becoming more squared and punctuated by small two-story buildings. Near Rue Rochambeau, the street skirts the Tony Garnier buildings. These structures, with their prominent window columns, stand in pairs separated by earthen paths and trees. Their blank walls serve as canvases for striking frescoes. One depicts the “Cité idéale Ivoirienne” in earthy browns, a testament to Lyon’s global connections. Another portrays a chaotic jumble of small houses, representing the “Cité idéale Russe.” Yet another showcases the ambitious project of the Lyon stadium. The Boulevard des États-Unis briefly interrupts the flow of the street. Beyond this boulevard, the painted buildings resume, showcasing communal housing and individual homes. One building evokes an ancient villa, while another captures a primary school classroom from 1938. Rue Émile Combes also houses reminders of daily life: a bakery, a wine shop, and several medical offices. It even boasts a pétanque club, “L’Amicale du Bachut,” a testament to Lyon’s love for traditional games. This street bears the name of Émile Combes, a prominent statesman born in 1835. He served as senator, minister, and president of the Radical Party. Notably, he presided over the council that voted for the separation of church and state in 1905, a pivotal moment in French history. Rue Émile Combes stands as a microcosm of Lyon’s history, blending architectural styles, social life, and historical significance into a captivating narrative.