“Ever wonder what stories these quays could tell?” That is what I ask myself while looking at Quai Général Sarrail. It stretches along the left bank of the Rhône. Today, we are exploring its history and significance.
Quai Général Sarrail is named after General Maurice Sarrail. He was a French military figure. He commanded the French Army of the Orient from 1915 to 1917. Later, he became the High Commissioner of France in the Levant.
Before being named after General Sarrail in 1929, this route had other names. It was once known as Cours Bourbon. Then, it was called Cours de l’Égalité. It also went by Quai Castellane and Quai des Brotteaux. The city council officially gave it its current name on September 30, 1929.
The Quai Général Sarrail connects the Morand and Lafayette bridges. It stretches for about 560 meters. The Passerelle du Collège is easily accessible from here.
The quai has a unique layout. A lower part runs along the Rhône’s edge. The municipality plans to develop it into a recreational space. Above this, a wide promenade runs between rows of plane trees. This promenade includes a skate area and a public garden.
Buildings line the Quai Général Sarrail. They showcase 19th and early 20th-century architecture. These buildings are solid and decorated. The buildings do not align perfectly with the Rhône. This creates green spaces.
At each street crossing, appreciate the geometric layout. It reflects the Morand plan. The buildings at numbers 1 to 5 are simple. Numbers 1 and 3 have grand entrances. Number 2 features a wrought iron balcony.
Numbers 7 to 10 showcase different architectural styles. The Barioz building at number 7 has vertical lines and large sculpted heads. Number 10 stands out with its glazed tiles.
Numbers 12 and 13 are like twins. They feature sculpted stone facades. Number 15 has a wrought iron gate. Above the gate, there are helmeted heads.
In the 19th century, the quai was bustling with activity. Ports received wood and stone. Artisans crafted furniture along the riverbank. The Quai Général Sarrail was one of the last projects of the commune of la Guillotière. It finished in 1851. A year later, la Guillotière became part of Lyon. The trees along the quai were planted at the same time.
The northern part of the quai was among the first areas developed on the left bank. This occurred at the end of the 18th century near the Pont Morand. École Centrale opened in 1856 at the corner of Rue Vauban.
Number 14 Quai Sarrail was built in 1870. It housed government offices. People waited in line for vehicle registration and residency permits. The building was sold in 2012.
In 1842, Jean Aimé Marnas built number 12. Paul Morin Pons was the consul of Austria-Hungary at number 13 in 1910. Zette de Penanrun coordinated resistance efforts at number 3.
In 1982, a car thief died after being shot by a resident watching his car.
The Quai Général Sarrail gained its current appearance in the late 19th century. Numbers 12, 8, and 13 were built in 1872, 1887, and 1888. The Barioz building at number 7 dates to 1932. Number 11 appears to be from the 1950s. Recent construction is underway to create a bicycle path.
Today, the Quai Général Sarrail is a vibrant part of Lyon. It blends history and modern life. Remember General Sarrail’s impact as you stroll along the quai.