“Gare de Lyon,” a voice calls out. Today we explore the Rue de Lyon. It is in Paris’ 12th arrondissement. This street is full of history. It connects to the Gare de Lyon.
The Rue de Lyon owes its existence to the Gare de Lyon. The street got its name from the station. The city agreed to build around the train station. This happened if the station was built on Boulevard Mazas. That is now Boulevard Diderot. This decision came about in 1845.
An order was given. A street would be built. It would link Place de la Bastille to the new train station. This is how the Rue de Lyon was created. The construction led to the removal of Rue Treilhard.
The Rue de Lyon has seen history. In 1918, a bomb struck number 15. It was launched by Grosse Bertha during World War I. The street is also mentioned in a song. It is “Ça c’est de la bagnole” by Georgius.
The Rue de Lyon is near several landmarks. It runs along the Opéra Bastille. It ends at Place de la Bastille and the Colonne de Juillet. The Promenade Plantée and the Viaduc des Arts are nearby. At number 12, you will find the UGC Lyon Bastille cinema. It was formerly the UGC Gare de Lyon. The building at number 75 is part of the Îlot Biscornet.
The Gare de Lyon is a major railway station in Paris. It opened in 1849. It was first called “Railway station from Paris to Montereau.” François-Alexis Cendrier designed it. The station was built on an embankment. This protected it from Seine floods.
In 1887, General Georges Boulanger left Paris. A demonstration occurred. Eight thousand people stormed the station. They covered the train with posters. The posters said “Il reviendra” meaning “He will return.”
For the 1900 World’s Fair, a new Gare de Lyon was built. Marius Toudoire designed it. Jean-Baptiste Olive decorated it with a fresco. It showed cities reachable by train from the station.
The Gare de Lyon has a large clock tower. It resembles the one at the Palace of Westminster. The station also houses Le Train Bleu restaurant. It has served guests since 1901. Its setting is ornate.
Tragedy struck in 1988. A runaway train crashed at the Gare de Lyon. Fifty-six people died. In 2020, a fire broke out. Congolese protestors reportedly started it. The station was evacuated. In 2024, a stabbing injured three people at the station.
The Gare de Lyon has appeared in films. These include “Travels with My Aunt” and “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”.
The Rue de Lyon and the Gare de Lyon stand as testaments to Paris’s vibrant history. They show resilience. They connect people across France and Europe. From bombings to celebrations, the Rue de Lyon has been at the heart of Parisian life. Take a moment to reflect on this rich tapestry as we continue our tour.