Reaching Place André Latarjet feels like stepping into a community hub. This square in the Mermoz Sud district offers more than meets the eye. Place André Latarjet is named after a notable figure in Lyon’s medical history.
André Latarget was born in Dijon in 1877. He died in Lyon in 1947. He made significant contributions to medicine. Latarget arrived in Lyon in 1901. He started as a hospital intern. By 1919 he was a professor of anatomy.
Latarget collaborated with his professor Léo Testut. Together they wrote a definitive treatise on human anatomy. Their legacy lives on in Lyon’s medicine museum. The Musée Testut-Latarjet stands at 8 avenue Rockefeller. Latarget also pioneered sports medicine. His son Raymond Latarget was a renowned biologist. Another son Michel Latarget chaired anatomy in Lyon. He was also a skilled thoracic surgeon.
Place André Latarjet itself was created in the 1960s. The square has evolved over the years. Around 2000, the round buildings at Rue de Narvik’s corner were rebuilt. This allowed the square to incorporate Rue Louis Hugounenq. Hugounenq was once the dean of the faculty of medicine. Today only a sign remains in his memory.
The square features a large square layout. An alley on the east side provides access. It also offers parking in front of a four-story building. In the center a rectangular area hosts trees and benches. These benches are near Rue de Narvik. A triangle is designated for parking. The west side is lined with trees too.
Three buildings occupy the west side. They feature curved designs with walkways. These walkways connect to a playground and Rue Tixier. Rue Morel separates them from a fourth building. The road rises in front of this building up to Avenue Mermoz. The north side is bordered by the Mermoz swimming pool. Patches of lawn lie behind the pool’s fence.
Place André Latarjet has seen its share of drama. In 2009 a tragic shooting occurred. An argument escalated. Armed men fired shots to stop further insults. Sadly a stray bullet killed a twelve-year-old boy named Amar. He was simply passing by.
Today Place André Latarjet is a place for various activities. One building houses refugees. You will also find a pastry shop, a newsstand, and a health center. There is also a grocery store, pharmacy, hair salon, and post office. The Maison du Rhône also has offices here. The Mermoz swimming pool is a close neighbor. You might see driving test candidates waiting on the benches.
Place André Latarjet is a place of everyday life. It is a place of community and connection. It is a place named after a man who left his mark on Lyon.