Rue Gustave Nadaud

Why is this street named Rue Gustave Nadaud? Here in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement, Rue Gustave Nadaud isn’t just another street. It’s a whisper of Parisian charm nestled within the bustling city. Rue Gustave Nadaud begins at the Quai du Rhône, near Avenue Leclerc. It stretches eastward, eventually becoming Rue Lortet after crossing Boulevard Yves Farge. The street offers a unique perspective of Lyon, with views across the Rhône to the Saint Joseph prison and the hill of Saint Irénée. But who was Gustave Nadaud, and why does this street bear his name? He was a 19th-century chansonnier, a Parisian poet and songwriter. He was born in Wattrelos in 1820 and died in Paris in 1893. Nadaud was known for his witty and satirical songs, often featuring characters like “les deux gendarmes” (the two policemen) and “les deux notaires” (the two notaries). His work captured the spirit of Parisian life, and his popularity spread throughout France. Rue Gustave Nadaud, however, tells a more local story. Its history begins in the late 19th century as a curved path connecting the Fort de la Vitriolerie and the Lône Bèchevelin. In the early 20th century, the path was transformed. The modern, straight Rue Gustave Nadaud emerged, with the first building appearing in 1929. The last three buildings were added much later, in the early 21st century. During World War II, number 3 Rue Gustave Nadaud housed a clandestine printing press, a secret hub of resistance against the occupation. Today, this street in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement, near convenient transport links and amenities, offers modern apartments. Some might even have balconies perfect for enjoying Lyon’s pleasant weather. So, next time you find yourself on Rue Gustave Nadaud, remember the Parisian chansonnier, the wartime printing press, and the evolution of this street from a winding path to a modern address.