The cool breeze whispers secrets along the Quai du Commerce. Feel it brush your face. This isn’t just any quay. It’s a living testament to Lyon’s history. Right here on the banks of the Saône River this stretch of land tells tales of industry and commerce.
The Quai du Commerce sits proudly on the right bank of the Saône. It lies downstream from Quai Sédaillan and upstream from Quai Jayr. Its journey starts at Rue Antonin Laborde. It ends at Quai de la Gare d’Eau. Notice the absence of plane trees. That’s a clue. The Rochecardon stream flows into the Saône here. It is completely covered though. You won’t see it unless you’re at the embarkation point.
Imagine the bustling scene of the 19th century. The Quai du Commerce thrived. It was once lined with businesses dealing in building materials wood and coal. These were the very commerces that give the quay its name. In fact there was even a Rue du Commerce. It’s now Rue Burdeau. This quay had a different name once Quai des Tuileries. Then it was known as Quai de l’Industrie. That name persists in the area’s identity.
In 1863 the southern section of the quay was created. Homes along the Saône were demolished to make way for it. A water station stood where Stade Boucaud now is. A second station was further north. The area was enhanced from 1893 to 1907. A concrete wall protected the quay from floods.
The construction of the Schuman Bridge led to the renovation of a landing platform. Notice the wide sidewalk? It provides a pleasant walk and parking. But it’s wild parking in places. The wide sidewalk is shaded by a row of plane trees.
Most buildings along Quai du Commerce are modern reconstructions. Only one house the one at number 16 near Rue Bourget remains from the original era. It’s a reminder of the past. The Thelemos building was completed in 1988. Others were built in the early 2000s. In 2003 the quay was closed to traffic for renovations to the Rochecardon stream.
Today the Quai du Commerce is a vibrant spot. Runners and cyclists share the path. It is now separated from automobile traffic. There’s a bank and the facilities of Stade Boucaud home to “Sport dans la Ville”. Look at the brasserie L’Ouest. Its impressive sign marks the beginning of the quay. Its U-shaped building surrounds a partly covered terrace.
The Quai du Commerce. More than just a street it’s a journey through time. A reminder of Lyon’s rich and ever-evolving story.