How about a street that serves as a boundary and a tribute? We are standing on Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad. This boulevard marks the border between Lyon’s 6th arrondissement and Villeurbanne. It stretches along the eastern edge of the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
Let’s delve into why this boulevard carries such a weighty name. Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad is named after the Battle of Stalingrad. This brutal clash occurred from July 1942 to February 1943. Soviet forces fought fiercely against Nazi Germany and its allies. The battle raged for control of Stalingrad.
But did you know this boulevard wasn’t always called Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad? From 1885 to 1946, it was known as Boulevard Pommerol. On September 30, 1946, Lyon’s city council renamed it. This change was officially confirmed on March 24, 1947. The new name honored the pivotal World War II battle.
Look around. You will notice that the Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad offers access to several notable places. The Parc de la Tête d’Or is a major attraction. The Clinique du Parc is also located here. For indoor fun, there is Play In Park. Nearby, you will find the Doua campus. Also close are the Transbordeur and the Cité Internationale.
If you look around carefully, you will discover the layout of the Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad. It begins as an extension of the Pont Raymond-Poincaré. It also connects to Boulevard Laurent Bonnevay in Villeurbanne. The boulevard ends at the intersection of Cours Vitton. South of there, it continues as Avenue Waldeck Rousseau.
Notice the efforts to promote cycling here. A bike lane runs alongside the park and railway. In late 2022, Lyon’s metropolitan area began a project. This project plans to add a new bike lane along the boulevard. It will stretch from the Pont Raymond-Poincaré to Avenue Berthelot.
Observe the architecture near the Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad. The area under the autopont has a unique design. It is painted like a rock music circuit. You can see iconic lyrics in yellow letters on a black background. On the Villeurbanne side, there are modern office buildings. These buildings have geometric designs. The Lyon side features a high stone wall. This wall supports the railway embankment. A concrete viaduct reinforces the tracks above. This supports the passage of the TGV high-speed train.
After Avenue Verguin, the railway curves eastward. It crosses the boulevard via two long bridges. One is made of iron and the other of concrete. The boulevard briefly transforms into a street. It runs between 20th-century concrete buildings.
The Boulevard de la Bataille de Stalingrad stands as a reminder of a crucial historical event. It also highlights Lyon’s connection to a city that withstood immense hardship. As we move on, remember the stories embedded in this place. They echo the resilience and solidarity of nations during times of war.