Avenue Esquirol

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Lyon, lies Avenue Esquirol. A street named after a man who delved into the complexities of the human mind. Jean-Étienne Esquirol, a psychiatrist known for his work on obsessive-compulsive disorder. Avenue Esquirol ends at Boulevard Pinel. Esquirol was a student of Pinel and continued his work. The avenue also faces a psychiatric hospital where his colleagues practice. This is no coincidence. Esquirol, though not directly tied to Lyon, inspired the 1838 law on administrative internment. This law established departmental psychiatric hospitals, including the Vinatier, located at the end of Avenue Esquirol. Avenue Esquirol begins near the intersection of Boulevard Ambroise Paré and Avenue Rockefeller. It then ascends eastward, ending at Boulevard Pinel. The avenue is lined with plane trees. It showcases a mix of architectural styles. On the north side, it runs alongside a health personnel training institute. On the south side, it offers views of buildings on Avenue Rockefeller. Several individual houses with gardens dot both sides of the avenue. Notably, number 39 houses the Villa Marius Berliet. This Art Nouveau style mansion, built in 1911, is a historical monument. Its interior is considered one of Lyon’s finest. The villa’s striking features include a tower with a lightning rod and a decorative frieze. Its grounds, filled with beautiful trees, stretch from Rue Montaigne to Rue Pascal. Avenue Esquirol also tells another story. The story of Marius Berliet, an automobile and truck manufacturer. He commissioned the construction of his villa near his Montplaisir factories and his planned factories in Vénissieux. The villa boasts Art Nouveau decorations by renowned artists Jacques Gruber and Louis Majorelle. After the war, Berliet was arrested at his villa and taken to Montluc prison. He narrowly escaped summary execution. His company, with its 3200 employees, was briefly occupied and underwent a period of attempted self-management. Later, his son Paul revitalized the company, transforming it into a leading truck manufacturer. Today, the Berliet Foundation, located in the villa, preserves the legacy of Marius Berliet and the region’s automotive history. Avenue Esquirol also boasts convenient public transportation. Nearby stops include Ambroise Paré, Vinatier, and Laënnec. Several bus lines, including 1E, 34, C13, and C26, serve the area. The metro line D and tram line T2 are also within walking distance.