Perhaps you have not heard of Maryse Bastié. The Rue Maryse Bastié in Lyon bears the name of this remarkable French aviator. It is a tribute to her achievements and legacy.
Rue Maryse Bastié stretches through Lyon’s 8th arrondissement. It sits in the neighborhood of Bachut. The street runs from Avenue des Frères Lumière to Avenue Paul Santy. Its direction is generally north-south.
This street was once called Chemin de Grange-Rouge. The Lyon city council renamed it Rue Maryse Bastié on June 18 1956. This renaming honored Marie-Louise Bombec. She was better known as Maryse Bastié. She was born in Limoges on February 27 1898. Sadly she died in Bron on July 6 1952. Her death occurred during an air show.
Maryse Bastié’s life was one of incredible feats in aviation. She was not only a pilot but also a record-breaker. She earned the title of Commander of the Legion of Honor. She achieved ten piloting records. These included a South Atlantic crossing. She also set a duration record of 37 hours in flight.
In the 20th century Rue Maryse Bastié was home to various industries. Selecta Dijon mustard factory was here. It operated from 1919 to 1977. The Pilain automobile factory also stood here. Bronzavia an aircraft engine factory existed here. Carlhian a textile company has been here since 1983. Bordery foundry has been here since 1907.
At number 40 Rue Maryse Bastié a plaque commemorates victims. These victims died in the Second World War from 1939-1945. They were linked to the sabotage. The sabotage targeted the Bronzavia factory. This factory made engines for the German army. It was located at number 27 Chemin de Grange-Rouge. Later the Chemin de Grange-Rouge became Rue Maryse-Bastié. The Bronzavia factory disappeared when Boulevard Jean XXIII was built.
Today Rue Maryse Bastié presents a mix of architectural styles. The street starts with smaller buildings and individual houses. Some houses even have gardens. Further along you will see modern six-story buildings with balconies. Crossing Boulevard Jean XXIII the view opens up. A large grassy area used as a stadium is on the right. The atmosphere shifts after the boulevard. A large complex with complex architecture lines one side. On the other side are towers surrounded by parking lots. There are also apartment blocks up to ten stories high.
Near Rue Bataille workshops can be found. One has a curious pediment at number 47. Recent constructions now align with the street. Near Avenue Mermoz a large wall hides a vacant lot. The entrance to Square Maryse Bastié is also here. The street ends with diagonal blocks. There is also a 1969 social housing block. It features a large rounded corner with columns.
The spirit of Maryse Bastié lives on. A restaurant bears her name. It features a small courtyard with a fresco of Lyon. Also a nursery school is named after her.
So as you stroll along Rue Maryse Bastié remember the aviator. Remember her courage and pioneering spirit. She soared through the skies. This street now honors her memory.