“A hero’s name” whispers the wind as we stand before Rue du Commandant Ayasse. This unassuming street in Lyon holds a captivating story. It’s named after Joseph Marc Ayasse a Lyonnais born in 1872. He served in the army in Indochina and Africa. Ayasse became a war hero in 1914. He was wounded and imprisoned at Mametz. Upon his return to France he was awarded the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre. Tragically he died in Timbuktu in 1919. He was stabbed while questioning a prisoner. The city honored him by naming this street after him in 1928.
Rue du Commandant Ayasse has witnessed significant changes. Initially it was an industrial area. Businesses like SCETA and Bourgey Montreuil operated here. Later in the 1970s and 1980s the area underwent a transformation. Modern buildings replaced the older structures. The street now features a mix of architectural styles. You see stunning modern buildings alongside older ones. There’s an impressive arch supporting an oblique glass cube. Nearby are residential buildings with unique designs and offsets. The north side boasts eight-story towers set back in gardens. A charming square offers shade and space for children to play.
One side of Rue du Commandant Ayasse has a striking modern look. The other features one-story houses and small apartment buildings. Note the renovated section between Rue du Rhône and Rue Mérieux. You can see the new brown-vertical residence built in 2018. This contrasts with the newer white building on the south side. This highlights the evolving nature of this Lyon street. The street connects Avenue Leclerc to Boulevard Yves Farge. It also has a small section after Rue du Rhône. This ends at Rue Marcel Mérieux near the Berthelier school. The architecture blends old and new showcasing Lyon’s dynamic past and present. The street is more than just a thoroughfare. It’s a living testament to a brave soldier and the continuous evolution of a city. It’s a place where history resonates with the rhythm of modern life. Let’s move on to discover more hidden stories of Lyon.