Hidden between Lyon and Ecully lies Avenue des Sources. Its name hints at a deeper history. The avenue’s name actually refers to the entire neighborhood. This area sits on a hill. It’s believed to be the source of several streams. One such stream is the Gorges stream. It flows into the Saône River at Vaise.
Avenue des Sources isn’t a long street. It’s rather short. It’s bordered by walls on both sides. The Lyon side is plastered. It hides the Sauvegarde stadium. A low building is under reconstruction nearby. There’s a large paved area too. Gates lead to the Sauvegarde clinic. At number 23 an old house is covered in Virginia creeper. A red gate opens to it. Number 25 features a large opening onto a building called Trait d’Union. It is a large concrete structure supported by two blue pillars.
The Ecully side wall is made of stone. Beyond it are fences. Lawns and trees obscure the buildings of the Sources district. The uphill section of Avenue des Sources serves the Sources high-rises in Ecully. If you like bright colors take a look at the community center. It’s covered in vibrant murals.
Before highway construction Avenue des Sources was the road from Ecully to Champagne. A small parking area before the bend still shows the old route. Bus lines 44 and shuttle 82 run along the avenue. A second section branches off at a right angle. It heads north and belongs entirely to Ecully. The Sauvegarde clinic has various medical activities. The Trait d’Union seems to be an extension. The neighborhood community center is actually in Ecully. The Sauvegarde stadium is also located here. Avenue des Sources a small but significant part of Lyon’s landscape. It’s a quiet witness to the city’s past and present. Its history whispers through the stones and the concrete. Its future is written in the vibrant murals of the community center.