Ever wondered who Édouard Rochet was? Rue Édouard Rochet pays homage to a Lyon industrialist. He was the co-founder of Rochet-Schneider. This firm was a prominent automobile manufacturer.
Édouard Rochet was born in Lyon. The year was 1867. He later died in Lyon in 1945. Rochet excelled at La Martinière de Lyon. He graduated at the top of his class.
Let’s talk about Rochet-Schneider. Édouard Rochet and Théodore Schneider founded it in 1889. They became competitors to Berliet. Berliet was another pioneer in the automotive industry. In 1905, Rochet-Schneider produced 250 cars. Some magnificent Rochet-Schneider models are on display. You can see them at the Musée de Rochetaillée.
Before being named Rue Édouard Rochet, this street was called Rue de la Promenade. Édouard Rochet’s father was also an innovator. Jean François Rochet established one of Lyon’s first cycle factories in 1872. Édouard Rochet himself was born at 2 Rue des Treize Cantons. In 1919 when he got married he lived at 60 chemin de Montchat. His first factory was on Rue Paul Bert. His large factory bordered the entire Rue Feuillat.
Take a look around Rue Édouard Rochet. Notice the diverse architecture. Buildings lack a uniform alignment. You’ll see houses and professional spaces. At number 3, a house sits back. It features a small garden and ironwork. Look for the blue roses. Across from it, two houses face a perpendicular office building. It has a rounded annex.
The street narrows after Rue Saint Théodore. The wall of a large house dominates the view. Note its impressive brown tile roof. Next to it is a school. You can spot the pink house. On the north side, you’ll see the back of the Jeanne d’Arc clinic. It includes a small concrete building with round windows.
After Rue des Tuiliers, the street becomes semi-pedestrian. A triple cube with large windows faces the Sans Soucis metro station. The station square has benches, trees and planters. It extends to Cours Albert Thomas. Further along, a two-story house and a workshop stand. They face a large eight-story building.
Interestingly, the Restos du Coeur has a location here. You can also find a Vélo’V station. Also note the presence of a daycare, several doctors and a Sham insurance building.
In the early 20th century, only a few houses stood at the intersection of Rue des Tuiliers. Remember not to confuse Rue Édouard Rochet with Rue Rochaix. Rue Rochaix is located to the east.
So, as you wander down Rue Édouard Rochet, remember the man behind the name. Édouard Rochet a Lyon industrial pioneer. His legacy lives on in Lyon’s history.