Rue Claudius Collonge

Can a street whisper secrets of transformation? Rue Claudius Collonge in Lyon certainly can. This street, tucked between Cours de Verdun and Rue Bichat, has witnessed a remarkable evolution. Rue Claudius Collonge began its life in the 1820s. It existed then as Rue d’Alger. The street developed alongside the burgeoning industrial area of Lyon. It featured modest one-story houses and simple four- or five-story buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Number 6, for example, dates back to 1898. Beyond Rue Dugas Montbel, Rue Claudius Collonge revealed its industrial heart. Long, saw-toothed factories, including those of the TCL and the former arsenal, lined the western side. By 2020, the arsenal had been demolished, making way for a new bus center. On the east side, SNCF workshops stretched out, punctuated by a large quarter-circle hangar. These were later razed and replaced by apartment buildings and a small square. The street is named after Claudius Collonge, a Lyon native born in 1896. He lived near his namesake street at 1 bis Rue Dugas Montbel. Collonge was a prominent figure, known for his presidency of the Rhône’s French Union of War Veterans. He died in nearby Oullins in 1968. Rue Claudius Collonge offers a glimpse into Lyon’s past and present. The south end, before the railway arches, hosts a mix of businesses. Here you’ll find a second-hand shop, a library, and a few bars. The “Trois Fleuves” bar is particularly noteworthy, with its mural depicting Lyon and its three rivers. The northern part of Rue Claudius Collonge still retains some of its industrial character, showcasing the city’s transportation history through the TCL depot and railway facilities. This blend of old and new, residential and industrial, makes Rue Claudius Collonge a unique microcosm of Lyon.