Fallen in battle, Jean Antoine Laviolette gave his life for France. Here, we stand on the street named in his honor. Welcome to Rue Antoine Laviolette. This street in Lyon is more than just a path. It is a tribute to a man. He was a professor at the Martinière.
Jean Antoine Laviolette was born in Lozanne on March 3 1878. He died for France on January 31 1916. The municipal archives say he was a sub-lieutenant. He died in the trenches of Saint Laurent near Arras. The records state he died on January 31 1918. There seems to be a discrepancy in the year of his death.
The street’s history began after the Richard Vitton estate sale in 1920. Rue Antoine Laviolette starts on Rue Constant, across from number 32. It slopes gently eastward. The street ends opposite number 23 on Rue des Peupliers.
Look around. Notice the architecture. The south side begins at Résidence Constant. It features two concrete structures. One is vertical. The other is horizontal. They create a square with benches. Villas with gardens stand across from the residence.
The villas grow larger along the street. They sit back behind walls. Trees peek over the walls. They make the street green. After Rue Vigny, the houses become smaller. They are closer together. Number 26 has a curious small extension under a zinc roof.
See the gloriette on the north corner after Rue Musset. It adds a charming touch. Today, the Lyon Tango club calls this street home. It is a place for dance and community.
To get here by public transport, several options exist. You can take buses 25, C13, C26, C8 or C9. Trains C12, K31 or K7 also serve the area. Metro line D is another option. Tram lines T2, T3 and T6 are available too. The closest bus stop is Charles Richard. It is a three-minute walk away. The Hôpitaux Est – Pinel tram stop is a 13-minute walk.
The T2 tram is the first to arrive around 5:10 AM. The last T2 tram runs until about 1:14 AM. As for buses, the C8 is the first, arriving at 6:09 AM. The last C8 bus runs until 12:47 AM.
Rue Antoine Laviolette offers a blend of history. It also has architecture and modern life. It is a place to remember a fallen hero. It is a place to appreciate the beauty of Lyon. Take a moment to reflect on Jean Antoine Laviolette’s sacrifice. Consider the street’s evolution over time.