Did you know that Rue de la Sparterie is a relatively new street? It was officially named by the municipal council on March 13 2006.
Rue de la Sparterie is a short link. It connects Rue Laborde and Rue du Four à Chaux. But why this particular name? It’s a tribute to the area’s industrial past. The name “Sparterie” recalls a former linen weaving factory. This factory operated in the district. As late as 1912 it was still active on Rue des Docks.
The term “sparterie” refers to the industry of alfa. Alfa is a tough vegetable fiber. More broadly, it includes manufacturing objects from stiff fibers. These fibers come from coconut, sisal, jute, and brambles. This technique dates back to the Neolithic era.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first Rue de la Sparterie in the area. There was an earlier one. But that street was renamed Rue Jean Marcuit. This new Rue de la Sparterie came into being around 2006.
Architecturally, Rue de la Sparterie presents a curious sight. On the east side, it mainly serves the rear of the Brasserie l’Ouest. This is a large wooden cube. It features two concrete pavilions around the delivery yard.
To the west, the Dockland residence stretches to Rue de la Martinique. It consists of two two-story buildings. These have a recessed entrance. In 2019 another residence was added. It stands at the corner of Rue Laborde. This addition gives the street more of a traditional street-like appearance.
So, as you walk along Rue de la Sparterie remember its connection to Lyon’s industrial heritage. It is a reminder of the linen weaving that once thrived here. It’s a blend of old and new. The modern residences stand alongside the memory of the sparterie trade. This small street holds a piece of Lyon’s evolving story. It connects the past with the present. It is a testament to the city’s constant transformation.