Does this seemingly ordinary street hold stories of revolution and reinvention? This is Rue Robert. It is a street that echoes with Lyon’s rich past. Today we will delve into the layers of history. We will explore the architecture and notable figures linked to this place.
Rue Robert runs parallel to Cours Lafayette. It sits immediately north of it. The street begins at Rue Vendôme. It crosses Place de l’Europe. It continues beyond Rue Garibaldi. Rue Robert ends on Boulevard des Brotteaux.
Look around. Notice the architecture. Rue Robert is mostly flat and straight. A ramp and some steps lead to Place de l’Europe. The even side has apartments and offices. These buildings range from three to eight stories. Office buildings dominate the odd side.
See the curious metal cladding at the corner of Rue de Créqui? It was installed around 2017. We pass the side of the monument to the victims of the 1793 siege of Lyon. The entrance is on Rue de Créqui. It is a pretty chapel topped with a harmonious dome. There is a pleasant garden around it. It has lawns, flowers and benches.
Rue Robert then enters a sort of impasse. You can walk out to Place de l’Europe. The surrounding buildings share a 1970s style. They feature protruding window columns and blue tones. The large Place de l’Europe creates a break in the street. Rue Garibaldi is also difficult to cross.
Up to Rue Tête d’Or, modern office and residential buildings alternate. They have six to ten floors. At the intersection with Rue Récamier, there is a beautiful flower bed. We then pass Framatome’s imposing marbled buildings. They include a fourteen-story tower. The street then features lower buildings. These three to five-story buildings date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Notice the facade at number 95. The ironwork on its balcony stands out.
Rue Robert is named after Joseph Robert. He was born in Genas in 1754. He died on November 23, 1841, in La Guillotière. Joseph was the mayor there from 1817 to 1821. He lived on Rue Vaudrey.
The history of Rue Robert mirrors the Brotteaux district’s development. It was developed in the 19th century. The layout followed architect Morand’s grid plan. Few original buildings remain. Reconstructions from the late 20th century have become prominent.
The monument to the dead of the siege of Lyon is nearby. It recalls a dramatic episode. Lyon opposed the Montagne revolutionaries in 1793. Lyon was subjected to the decree “Lyon is no more.” It was renamed “Ville Affranchie”. Many of the city’s finest pre-revolution houses were destroyed. The monument commemorates the battles of May 29, 1793. It lists the names of those executed. Their ages, occupations and dates of execution are recorded from October 12, 1793, to April 6, 1794.
Louis and Jeanne Bardey lived at 14 Rue Robert. They were painter and sculptor. They created bas-reliefs on the Grande Poste. From 1899 to 1932, Luc Court built cars and trucks at number 88. You can see one of his cars at the Rochetaillée museum.
In 2022, Framatome moved to Gerland. The buildings are now walled up awaiting their future. At number 111 is a center for relationships and aid. Next door is an action association for youth. There is also a Pentecostal Evangelical church on Rue Robert.
Rue Robert is home to many important companies. Framatome and Systra are among them. You will also find decoration shops. There is a locksmith, insurance firms and law firms here. A doctor, a dentist and a sophrologist also have offices.
So as we conclude our exploration of Rue Robert, remember that streets are more than just pathways. They are living records of time. Rue Robert is one such place. It invites us to reflect on Lyon’s past, present and future.