Here, where semi-trucks rumble past trees, lies Rue de Chalon-sur-Saône. This isn’t your typical scenic route. It’s a working street, an artery of Lyon’s industrial port, Edouard Herriot. But it has a story to tell.
Rue de Chalon-sur-Saône stretches through the port. It starts at Allée Pierre de Coubertin. The street ends between docks one and two. You enter through entrance BC of the port. It’s an artery that runs between commerce.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the mid-19th century. Before trains, travelers from Paris would arrive via the Saône River. Boats carried passengers to Lyon from Chalon-sur-Saône. Rue de Chalon-sur-Saône reminds us of this vital water route. Chalon-sur-Saône sits 120 km north of Lyon. It’s the center of a large community.
But even before organized transport, this area had significance. In the Middle Ages, it was farmland. These were the Granges d’Ainay. They extended from Chemin de Gerland. A fortified house stood here until 1965. It was demolished to expand the docks.
The port itself is relatively modern. The first two docks opened in 1938. Rue de Chalon-sur-Saône runs between these docks. Later, in 1966, the Pierre Bénite dam was built. This made it easier for boats to access the port. The street is a silent witness to all of this.
Today, Rue de Chalon-sur-Saône is all about industry. Around fifty companies operate in this port. Every year, millions of tons of goods pass through here. The street is a place of constant activity.
Imagine the scene. Semi-trailers line the road. Prefabricated buildings stand nearby. Despite the unglamorous setting, this street plays a crucial role in Lyon’s economy.
In 2024, an Ecofluv boat passed by here. This boat serves about ten ports in Lyon. It even goes up to Villefranche. These boats are an important part of the local transport network.
Politically, Chalon-sur-Saône has connections to Lyon. Gérard Collomb, a former mayor of Lyon, was born in Chalon-sur-Saône. He managed to remain in office against Dominique Perben. Perben was also from Lyon. He had been mayor of Chalon-sur-Saône.
So, as you stand here on Rue de Chalon-sur-Saône, take a moment. Consider the history. It is more than just an industrial road. It’s a link to the past. It connects Lyon to its northern neighbor. It is a testament to the importance of water transport. The street continues to serve Lyon’s commercial needs today.