Here at the Quai du Docteur Gailleton, a name echoes through Lyon’s history. This quai wasn’t always known by its current name. Before 1907, it was called Quai de la Charité. Imagine the horse-drawn carriages traveling along the Quai de la Charité.
The Quai du Docteur Gailleton is located on the right bank of the Rhône in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. It stretches from Quai Jules-Courmont near Rue de la Barre. It ends at Cours de Verdun near Pont Gallieni. The busy street passes in front of Place Antonin-Poncet and Place Gailleton.
Before 1830, this area was not one continuous quai. It comprised three sections with different names. The first section ran from Rue de la Barre to Place de la Charité. It was initially named Quai Bellescize in 1772-1774 after a provost of merchants.
In 1775, Monsieur, the king’s brother, visited Lyon with his wife. The quai was renamed Quai Monsieur in his honor. Later, it became Quai de Marseille in 1793. Then it was known as Cours Napoléon in 1804. In 1815, it reverted to Quai Monsieur. Finally, in 1830, it was merged into Quai de la Charité. The second section sat between Place de la Charité and Place Grollier. It was known as Quai de la Charité then Cours Napoléon. It then reverted back to Quai de la Charité. The third section stretched from Place Grollier to Cours du Midi. It was named Quai d’Orient. It then became Cours Napoléon. Later, it was named Quai d’Angoulême in 1815. It finally became Quai de la Charité in 1830.
Why the change to Quai du Docteur Gailleton? In April 1907, the city honored Antoine Gailleton. Gailleton was a doctor and Lyon’s mayor from 1881 to 1900. He left a lasting impact on the city.
The Quai du Docteur Gailleton has witnessed many changes. The A6 highway once ran along the Rhône. Now, the quai offers a calmer atmosphere. However, with its multiple lanes, it is still a busy area.
Interestingly, the viaduc SNCF south of the quai survived World War II. It was the only bridge in Lyon not fully destroyed by the German army in 1944. It even served as a temporary road for cars and pedestrians.
Over the 20th century, the Quai du Docteur Gailleton has transformed. A cigarette factory stood where the Lycée Récamier is today. The Sofitel hotel replaced the military hospital Desgenettes. The Hôpital de la Charité once occupied the site of the Grande Poste. That hospital gave the quai its former name.
Notably, several prominent figures resided on this quai. Painter and engraver Louis-Hector Allemand lived at number 34 until his death. Laurent de Dignoscyo died at number 36. Composer and politician Robert Proton de la Chapelle lived at number 40 until his death. Also Jules Courmont lived here.
Today, the Quai du Docteur Gailleton remains a vital part of Lyon. It is a testament to the city’s history and its dedication to honoring those who shaped it. As you stroll along this quai, remember the stories it holds. Remember the figures who once walked here.