Might the name on this street sign, Boulevard Jules Carteret, pique your curiosity? This boulevard in Lyon is more than just a path. It is a slice of local history named for a man who navigated the city’s political currents.
Jules Carteret was born in Lyon in 1872. He died here in 1931. Carteret started as the son of a weaver. He became a merchant. His life took a turn toward politics.
Before World War I, Carteret joined the Socialist Party SFIO. In 1912, he was elected to Lyon’s city council. By 1919, he had been re-elected. His section of the socialist party was hesitant about the Third International.
In 1920, a conflict arose. It led to Édouard Herriot’s resignation. The socialist group opposed increasing public transport fares. Carteret sided with Lyon’s mayor against his own party. This act led to his exclusion from the party.
Carteret then joined the Cercle Jean Jaurès. This group included right-leaning members of the Rhône Federation. He was re-elected as a municipal councilor in 1925. Jules Carteret was also deputy mayor.
Originally, the name Jules Carteret was on what is now Avenue Tony Garnier. This changed around the year 2000. The city wanted to honor the architect Tony Garnier. So, Carteret’s name was moved to this smaller boulevard.
This boulevard was established before 1940. It is largely dedicated to professional activities. The north side of Boulevard Jules Carteret runs alongside a large hedge. It hides the Plastique Omnium site. New constructions have changed the landscape. A large, glazed building on columns now houses Plastique Omnium and Sanofi. The sidewalk has been upgraded into a promenade.
Across the street, you will see a vacant lot. It is decorated with murals and benches. Further along are industrial workshops. Number 28 hosts Reboboth. It offers cultural and humanistic activities.
Also on this boulevard is number 25. It is located in the heart of the Gerland technology park. This area is also known as the Bio-district Lyon-Gerland. It brings together world leaders in life sciences. These include Sanofi Pasteur, Merial, and Genzyme. Innovative SMEs and higher education institutions are located here. Since 2005, these players have been part of the Lyonbiopôle global competitiveness cluster.
The Bio-district Lyon-Gerland accounts for nearly 5,000 jobs. It also has 2,750 teacher-researchers. They are spread across higher education institutions. The area includes research facilities, high-level infrastructure, major manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.
Boulevard Jules Carteret represents more than just a street. It is a place where politics, industry, and culture intersect.