Quai Rambaud

Gazing across the Saône, can you picture the Quai Rambaud bustling with activity? Today, Quai Rambaud showcases striking modern architecture. But it holds a rich history tied to Lyon’s industrial past. Originally, this wasn’t a quai at all, but the Port Rambaud. Established in 1926, Port Rambaud served as Lyon’s primary port, replacing the older Perrache water station. The port stretched along the left bank of the Saône, spanning an impressive 1300 meters. It ran from the Place Nautique, redeveloped in 2010, down to the Pont de la Mulatière and the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers. Quai Rambaud’s namesake, Pierre-Thomas Rambaud, served as Lyon’s mayor from 1818 to 1826. He played a crucial role in securing the Perrache peninsula for the city, paving the way for the port’s development. Initially just 500 meters long, the port underwent expansions in 1929 and 1930. It eventually reached 1000 meters, even housing a petroleum port with a 16,000 cubic meter capacity. The port thrived, handling diverse goods. These included coal, metallurgical products, lime, cement, food, and agricultural produce. Port Rambaud faced turmoil during World War II. In 1940, the petroleum port was tragically set ablaze, possibly by French soldiers under military orders to prevent its use by advancing German forces. The port suffered further damage during Allied bombings in 1944. Despite these setbacks, Port Rambaud experienced a resurgence after the war. This was partly due to the establishment of a customs warehouse. However, its linear design, featuring a single quay, proved limiting for storage and industrial activities. As Port Édouard-Herriot grew in prominence, Port Rambaud’s activities gradually shifted. By 1993, it officially closed. The port buildings, constructed from reinforced concrete on a platform supported by trestles, stand as remnants of its industrial past. These structures, including the salt, sugar, and wine warehouses, and the customs office, featured elevated ground floors for direct loading onto wagons or trucks. Two-story warehouses were built on stilts due to the poor quality of the subsoil. They also had 2,000 kg hoists and riveted cast iron slides to facilitate cargo handling. Today, a few portal cranes and overhead cranes still remain. Witnessing the modern buildings along the Quai, it’s hard to imagine this space filled with bustling activity. Yet, the Quai Rambaud’s story is etched into the very foundations of this vibrant district.