“Where does this road lead?” you might ask, standing here at Cours de Verdun Rambaud. This isn’t just any street. It’s a piece of Lyon’s history. Cours de Verdun Rambaud forms the southwest part of a larger, significant avenue. It stretches from Quai Rambaud to Gare de Perrache.
Traffic flows west on multiple lanes. One lane runs alongside buildings. This lane also serves as a ramp to the train station. The other lanes merge under the Perrache interchange.
The boundary with the train station and shopping center is somewhat blurred. Rue du Bélier creates a clearer separation. It distinguishes Cours de Verdun Rambaud from Cours de Verdun Perrache. Entering Rue du Bélier, you can reach Place Carnot to the north. You can also access the Marty gardens and Cours Charlemagne to the south. This involves crossing the tracks in the immense hall. You will also catch an unexpected glimpse of the curious star of the Saint Paul prison.
Architecturally, Cours de Verdun Rambaud presents a varied scene. Two buildings boast beautiful stone door frames near Rue Claudius Collonge. A rather unattractive auto repair shop stands next to the second building.
The very long facade of the SNCF follows. It features a triple entrance and five long rows of identical windows. The door is striking with its 1864-1865 stamped medallions and iron garlands.
The Hotel Perrache Terminus dates back to 1905. You can spot it by the large letters on the roof. It spells out Château Perrache. The large ornamental stones at the corners and the two floors of mansards surrounded by slate give it its distinction.
Across the street, a garden brightens the area. It features bushes, a lawn and planted trees. This green space precedes the highway lanes. To the east, the street meets the elements of the interchange center. There is a large concrete block, a portico, escalators and a footbridge topped with orange parasols.
The train station is set back a few meters. Constructions prevent a comprehensive view. Three stone pavilions represent Dijon, Macon and Paris. A long metal beam connects a corridor to the main pavilion above. Lion heads and a clock are hidden. The other side is symmetrical. The three east pavilions are assigned to other served cities like Valence, Avignon and Marseille. The Salle des pas perdus has almost entirely disappeared. It is now under the station’s facilities.
The Perrache interchange center houses a youth and culture center. It offers musical and linguistic activities. It also provides assistance to travelers.
Georges Paul Chedanne built the Hotel Terminus. It is considered Lyon’s finest Art Nouveau building. The interior decoration involved the best artists. Chedanne met them during his stay at the Villa Medici.
The street features a Renault garage and the SNCF regional headquarters. The Hotel restaurant Château Perrache also opens on the station side. Car rentals occupy the west wing. The east wing houses SNCF activities like union offices and a housing office. The shopping center has all the expected stores. These include ticket vendors, lost and found, food outlets, press and other services.
The SNCF headquarters underwent renovation in 2019. It now houses a psychiatric center named Cours du Midi. Cours de Verdun Rambaud is more than just a road. It’s a tapestry woven from architecture, history, and the daily lives of Lyon’s residents.