Consider the Treaty of Rome signed in 1957. It was a pivotal moment. This led to the creation of the European Union. Today we stand at Place du Traité de Rome in Lyon. This place commemorates that historic event.
Place du Traité de Rome is located in the 7th arrondissement. It sits where Allée du Bon Lait extends. The place starts at Rue Senghor. It crosses Rue de Beauvoir. It ends near Rue Marot. Part of the area includes Square des Abruzzes.
The area between Rue Senghor and Rue Beauvoir is quite spacious. It features a wide paved walkway. Benches line the sides. Trees and bushes add greenery to Place du Traité de Rome. After Rue Beauvoir, the path becomes an earthen alley. Bushes border it protecting the buildings to the south.
A triangular square with a playground sits on the north side near Rue Marot. This area offers a space for children to play. Benches surround the playground. These are framed by more bushes.
The buildings around Place du Traité de Rome are modern. They have angular designs and balconies. Red colors the southern side. Brown hues mark the northern side.
The Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25, 1957. Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were the signatories. This treaty marked the beginning of the European Union.
Place du Traité de Rome was conceived in 2006. It was built on the site of a former Bon Lait factory. Construction began around 2009. By July 2010, the future square served as a construction staging area. The work was completed by September 2014. A gymnasium was still to be built. It was planned for the southern corner of Rue Senghor.
By 2020, the gymnasium was up and running. It even won an award. It received the 2017 regional prize for wooden construction. The gymnasium is dedicated to Alice Milliat. She was a champion of women’s sports. Milliat founded several women’s sports federations. These allowed women to compete in the Olympic Games. Schoolchildren now use the gymnasium.
In 2020, Place du Traité de Rome hosted various businesses. These included a driving school, a restaurant, and a training organization. Public transport is easily accessible. Several bus lines serve the area. These include lines 34, C14, C4, and C7. The closest bus stop is Simone De Beauvoir. It is a short walk away. Metro line B also provides access. The nearest metro station is Debourg. Several tram stops are also nearby.
So as you leave Place du Traité de Rome reflect on the visionaries who signed the treaty. Their efforts shaped modern Europe. This square stands as a reminder of their achievement and a symbol of unity.