“Reserved for women’s gymnastics”. Doesn’t that pique your curiosity about the Gymnase de la Guillotière? This gymnasium stands at 14 rue du Repos in Lyon. It is at the corner of rue du Repos and rue St Sauveur. Today we will discover a bit more about this place dedicated to sports.
The Gymnase de la Guillotière was formerly known as the Sauveur/Repos gymnasium. It is dedicated to female gymnastics. The Gymnase de la Guillotière is more than just a sports facility. It is a place where women can come together to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Inside the Gymnase de la Guillotière you will find several spaces dedicated to different activities. There is a hall. A gymnastics room measures 27 x 37 meters. There is also an aerobics and weight training room plus a meeting room.
The Gymnase de la Guillotière is easily accessible by public transport. You can reach it via TCL. Also, the Vélo’v bike-sharing service is a convenient option. This makes it easy for everyone to access the facilities.
The Guillotière area itself has a rich history. It was once seen as separate from the rest of Lyon. It was a place of passage for immigrant populations. Today it is one of the most lively areas of the city. Its diverse cultures make it a hub of associations and events.
The Guillotière district is the oldest on the left bank of the Rhône. It developed in the Middle Ages from the Rhône bridge. This bridge is known as the Guillotière bridge. It stretches to the road from Lyon to Italy. The area became an important reception center with many travelers. This gave it a popular and commercial character.
In the late 19th century regional migrants arrived in the Guillotière. People from Ardèche and Limousin came to work on Lyon’s construction sites. Later Italians arrived. Between the wars Greeks Armenians Ashkenazi Jews North Africans and Spaniards arrived.
During the “Thirty Glorious Years” North Africans settled in the Guillotière. In the 80s and 90s refugees from Southeast Asia Turks and sub-Saharan Africans followed. Many migrants meet or trade in the Guillotière even if they do not live there. These include Chibanis or “standing men” and Roma from Eastern Europe.
The district has developed through successive waves of immigration giving it its identity. This identity is marked by community conflicts and violence. In the early 20th century the district was called the “Crime Triangle”. Rehabilitations in the 1990s changed its appearance. Immigrants were gradually displaced.
The Gymnase de la Guillotière stands as a testament to the area’s ongoing evolution. It provides a space for women’s fitness and community engagement. It is a place where history and modern life meet.
So as you stand before the Gymnase de la Guillotière consider its role in this ever-changing district. It is a place dedicated to women’s health and fitness. The Gymnase de la Guillotière contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Lyon.