Impasse Martin

Slipping between the towering Église Saint Vincent de Paul and the bustling Route de Vienne, we find ourselves at Impasse Martin. Impasse Martin isn’t quite an impasse anymore. It’s more of a passage now. Impasse Martin has a curious history. The name “Martin” is incredibly common in Lyon. So common, in fact, that several streets bear variations of it. There’s a Rue Martin, a Rue du Major Martin, and even an Esplanade Daisy Martin. Yet, the “Martin” of Impasse Martin remains shrouded in mystery. In the early 20th century, Impasse Martin was a small, private dead end. Over time, the city evolved. Houses along Route de Vienne were demolished. New buildings sprung up around the 1980s. Place Lebret opened, and Rue du Presbytère was developed. These changes transformed Impasse Martin from a secluded dead end into the pedestrian passage we see today. The north side of Impasse Martin is lined with 1980s-style buildings. They boast various setbacks and a mix of colors. Along the church, a simple dirt path runs between grassy patches. Sadly, the sign for “Impasse Martin” has been crossed out. It has been replaced by “Place Lebret.” Three benches, once offering a place to rest, are now decaying. A pizzeria and a phone shop nearby technically belong to the Place, not the Impasse. Even in its transformed state, Impasse Martin offers a glimpse into Lyon’s ever-changing urban landscape. It serves as a quiet reminder of the city’s growth and evolution, tucked away beside the grand Église Saint Vincent de Paul.