Place Jules Grandclément

Have you ever wondered about a place named after a doctor? Right here at Place Jules Grandclément, we uncover the story of a man who dedicated his life to the well-being of his city. Place Jules Grandclément isn’t just a square. It’s a testament to a remarkable figure, Jules Grandclément, a physician and mayor of Villeurbanne from 1908 to 1922. Before bearing his name, this bustling hub was known as “Place Dauphine” and later “Place du Plâtre”. Imagine it, a place once known for plaster now echoing the name of a beloved doctor. Place Jules Grandclément sits at the intersection of several vital arteries: Cours Tolstoï, Rue Jean-Jaurès, Avenue du Général-Leclerc, Rue Léon-Blum, Boulevard Eugène-Reguillon, and Rue du Docteur-Frappaz. This square isn’t just a geographical center. It’s the heart of the Grandclément district. Picture a vibrant marketplace filling the square on weekdays and weekends, right in front of the Parish of the Nativity. This Catholic church stands as a silent witness to the square’s ever-changing story. Place Jules Grandclément also faces Villeurbanne’s old city hall. This building served as the city’s administrative center from 1904 to 1934. A somber note marks the square’s history. On August 26, 1942, Place Jules Grandclément became a stage for a tragic event. The Roundup of Villeurbanne began here, with those captured initially gathered in front of Café Jacob. This cafe, now a bank on the east side of the square, marks the starting point of a journey that led many to the transit camps of Drancy and Compiègne. Today, Place Jules Grandclément thrives as a vital hub, easily accessible by bus and featuring Velo’v bike-sharing stations. As you stand here, consider the legacy of Jules Grandclément. He was a man whose dedication to his city extended beyond his medical practice, shaping the very fabric of Villeurbanne. His name, forever etched on this square, serves as a reminder of his tireless service to the community.