“September 3rd 1944. What does this date mean to you?” I ask you looking around at your curious faces. The Rue du 3 Septembre 1944 whispers tales of liberation and remembrance right here. This street in Lyon is more than just a place. It is a testament to a pivotal moment in history. It marks the day Lyon was freed from Nazi occupation.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Lyon under the shadow of Nazi rule. It is November 1942. The city, once vibrant, is now subdued. Hope flickers dimly as the occupying forces tighten their grip. But even in the darkest times, the spirit of resistance cannot be extinguished.
The liberation of Lyon was not a sudden event. It was the culmination of years of struggle. The French and American forces approached Lyon in September 1944. A wind of hope swept through the city. The Nazis had occupied Lyon since November 1942. The summer had witnessed some bloody events.
Two weeks before the Allied forces arrived, violence peaked. It was August 20 1944. The Côte-Lorette massacre saw 120 prisoners from Fort Montluc executed in Saint-Genis-Laval.
In the days leading up to Lyon’s liberation, 30,000 to 40,000 German soldiers crossed the city. The Nazi troops began their withdrawal on September 1st. Hitler ordered the destruction of bridges between the Rhône and Saône the next day. This was to delay the Allied advance.
However, the French Resistance managed to save three bridges. These were the Saint-Vincent footbridge, the Saint-Irénée railway viaduct, and the Pont de l’Homme de la Roche. The city was split in two until the French soldiers arrived.
The First French Free Division entered Lyon on September 3rd 1944. General Diego Brosset commanded them. They reached the Hôtel de Ville around 9 a.m. French soldiers were followed by American troops. The people of Lyon gathered in the streets to welcome their liberators.
Celebrations erupted as the first soldiers arrived. But the fighting was not over yet. Nazi militia fired from rooftops trying to disperse the crowds. Shots struck the Hôtel-Dieu’s dome setting it ablaze. French forces responded quickly restoring calm.
Slowly French flags appeared in windows and streets. La Marseillaise echoed through Lyon. French forces continued to hunt down the remaining occupiers. The last shots were fired on September 5th 1944. Lyon was finally liberated after four years of war. Two of those years were under occupation.
Today Rue du 3 Septembre 1944 stands as a reminder of that liberation. The street itself is relatively new. It was opened at the beginning of this century. The street begins at 17 Rue Horand and ends at Avenue Joannès Masset near EDF.
Look around you. Notice the architecture. The street starts between angular white buildings. These buildings have five stories and multiple setbacks. There are four buildings on the north side and two on the south side. The street ends between simpler, taller buildings. These have seven stories on the north side and a factory wall on the south side.
This street is a living memorial. It connects us to the courage and resilience of the people of Lyon. They endured so much during World War II. As you walk along Rue du 3 Septembre 1944 take a moment to reflect. Remember the sacrifices made for freedom. This street is not just a path. It is a journey through history.