Place Joannes Ambre

Mystery shrouds Place Joannes Ambre. This place, right here, is named after a prominent Lyon lawyer, Joannès Ambre. He was known for defending some of the most notorious figures in Lyon’s criminal underworld, including the Gang des Lyonnais. Place Joannes Ambre isn’t just a square. It’s divided into two distinct areas separated by the buildings of Rue de Belfort. To the south, a large granite esplanade stretches before the Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse. Children play, their laughter echoing against the modern facade of the theater. Imagine them chasing pigeons across the vast expanse. The northern section of Place Joannes Ambre centers around a roundabout. Here, a cross of Couzon stone stands proudly. This striking landmark gives the Croix-Rousse district its name. It connects us to a rich history dating back to 1483 when the first cross was erected. The current cross, however, was placed here in 1994 during the square’s redesign. Joannès Ambre, the square’s namesake, was born in Croix-Rousse in 1915. He died under mysterious circumstances in Menton in 1984. His story adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating place. Place Joannes Ambre isn’t just a place to pass through. It’s a place to pause and reflect on the complexities of Lyon’s history. It’s a place where the echoes of children’s laughter mingle with the whispers of notorious gangsters and the legacy of a lawyer who dared to defend them. It’s a testament to the vibrant and often contradictory spirit of Lyon.