A Lyon street named after a potato. That’s Rue Parmentier. It’s a seemingly ordinary street in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement. Yet its name holds a fascinating story. It is named after Antoine Augustin Parmentier. He was a pharmacist who championed the potato. He saw its potential as a food source. This led to the potato’s widespread adoption in France.
Rue Parmentier begins at Place Jean Macé. It stretches east towards Rue Roy. The street is bordered by tall buildings. Some date back to the early 20th century. The city council often granted height exceptions then. These buildings are a testament to Lyon’s architectural history.
Notice the varying heights of the buildings. They reflect different construction periods. Some buildings show unique features like curved facades. One building displays a central square. It’s a detail that reveals the architect’s artistic vision. Others are more recent additions to the streetscape.
Rue Parmentier wasn’t always called that. Before its current name it had a different identity. The nearby Rue Grignard was once part of Rue Parmentier. It was later renamed for another notable scientist. The area was once occupied by Fort du Colombier. This fort was part of Lyon’s 19th-century fortifications. Its demolition paved the way for Rue Parmentier.
Today Rue Parmentier is more than just a street. It is a key thoroughfare. It runs near the Place Jean Macé. This is a major transportation hub in Lyon. Here you find metro lines trams buses and even a train station. It’s also home to businesses and residences. This blends the commercial and residential aspects of city life.
There is a local connection to the name Parmentier. A Lyon carpenter named Claude Parmentier was executed during the Siege of Lyon in 1793. The street therefore has a multi-layered history. It encompasses both national and local stories. This history blends with Lyon’s broader urban development.
Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. The buildings stand as silent witnesses. They’ve seen Lyon’s transformations. They’ve observed the everyday life of its people. Rue Parmentier offers a blend of history and modern city life. It shows how Lyon combines the old with the new. So take your time. Let Rue Parmentier’s story sink in.