Here stands Allée Susan Sontag a tribute to a remarkable woman. Who was Susan Sontag? She was an American essayist novelist and activist. This allée commemorates her life and work.
Allée Susan Sontag stretches from Rue Smith to Rue Delandine. It lies south of the market hall’s porch and Rue Casimir Périer. To the west Allée Bégule continues towards Cours Charlemagne with a slight offset. Allée Jeanne Barret continues east towards Quai Perrache.
The allée itself is a concrete pathway. It features openings for plants and young trees. On the north side a high concrete wall runs along Rue Smith. A similar longer structure has three stories and interior balconies. Behind its gate stands the former entrance porch of the market hall.
On the south side two concrete structures flank a courtyard. An open hall rests on pillars. A long concrete building known as the Maison de la Confluence stands nearby. Walking west you can see the tower of Allée Bégule.
Susan Rosenblatt was born in New York in 1933. She took the name Sontag after her mother’s remarriage. Sontag died in 2004. She is renowned for her writings. Her works include essays on photography and the novel The Volcano Lover. Sontag was also known for her activism particularly her advocacy for Bosnia. She lived in Paris and received recognition from the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. It is unclear what specific connection she had to Lyon beyond this allée.
From the 1960s to the 2000s this area was part of Lyon’s wholesale market. Display panels from that era remain on the south-side buildings now renovated. Allée Susan Sontag is a recent addition. Construction on the north side was nearing completion in 2023.
You can find the Marché Gare concert venue nearby. The Maison de la Confluence is located at 73 Rue Smith and 98 Rue Delandine. It showcases the district’s development project using a model. Concrete benches offer a place to rest.
In 2021 Allée Susan Sontag underwent temporary redevelopment. The final permanent development is underway. This includes pouring 100% recycled sanded concrete. Ten new trees are being planted. Five planted strips are being created. Two circular benches made from natural limestone will also be installed. During this work the allée may be closed during the day. Please follow the signposted detours. These improvements are part of a larger project. It aims to improve public spaces in the Marché Quarter. SPL Lyon Confluence is managing the project for the City of Lyon and Métropole de Lyon.
Allée Susan Sontag serves as a reminder of her intellectual contributions and commitment to social justice. Take a moment to reflect on her legacy as you stroll through this space.