Did you know that Rue du Pérou in Villeurbanne was once named something completely different? Today, we are standing on Rue du Pérou. It might seem like just another street, but it holds a few secrets worth uncovering.
Rue du Pérou wasn’t always Rue du Pérou. It used to be part of Rue de la Filature. This name referred to the street’s connection to the textile industry. Specifically, it connected to the spinning mills in the area.
In fact, city records show changes and extensions to Rue de la Filature dating back to 1926 and 1927. These records mention the alignment and leveling of the street. There was also the prolonging of it between Rue Edouard Vaillant and Route de Vaulx.
Even in 1959, there was construction work on Rue de la Filature. That year, they built a sewer. Eventually, the city renamed a section of Rue de la Filature to Rue du Pérou. This section runs between Avenue Roger Salengro and Rue Edouard Vaillant.
Lyon has a rich history that goes back to Roman times. The Romans founded the colony of Lugdunum in 43 BC. It became a major administrative, commercial, and cultural center. Lugdunum had an excellent road network. The city began to decline around the end of the 2nd century AD.
During the Middle Ages, Lyon became a religious center. The Bishop had great power. Lyon saw economic growth during the Renaissance. Italian merchants and bankers settled in the city. They helped Lyon become a major trading place.
Over the centuries, Lyon has seen many changes. It went from Roman capital to religious center. It also grew as a commercial hub. The French Revolution also greatly affected the city. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Lyon went through major reconstruction and modernization.
So, as we stand here on Rue du Pérou, remember its past as part of Rue de la Filature. Also, think of the textile workers and the spinning mills. The street is a small piece of Villeurbanne’s and Lyon’s larger story. It connects to the area’s industrial past. It is a story of growth, change, and adaptation. It contributes to the vibrant tapestry of this French city.