“Did you know this unassuming street holds the legacy of two remarkable Perrods?” Rue Perrod nestled between Place des Tapis and Avenue Cabias isn’t just a thoroughfare. It’s a living testament to a family’s contribution to Lyon’s history. Rue Perrod’s buildings are typical of the Croix-Rousse district. They’re modest three to five-story structures. Number 8 boasts a proud 1842 date. Many ground floors feature stone framing. A charming stone arch graces number 11 bis. South of Rue Duviard a gap exists housing a garage and two small houses. North of Rue Duviard a grand stone building stands out with a decorative balcony. Beyond Rue d’Isly a section of Rue Perrod squeezes between 1950s concrete walls and four garage entrances. The street culminates at a gateway to Avenue Cabias offering a view of Saint Augustin’s steeple.
The name Rue Perrod itself is a double honor. It commemorates Jean Francois Perrod a surgeon born in 1805 on Croix-Rousse. He died in Lyon in 1852. He spearheaded the Croix-Rousse hospital project. He bequeathed his properties to the hospices to aid construction. Interestingly though the council initially hesitated. A street already bore the similar name Perrot. The council eventually found a solution. They included Pierre Antoine Perrod.
Pierre Antoine Perrod born in 1907 also on Croix-Rousse near the place and boulevard. He died in 1994. A lawyer and professor of law at Lyon’s faculty. He was a distinguished barrister and man of letters a Lyon academician and Doctor of Letters. He penned a biography of Jules Favre. He even won the Prix de l’Académie française for his work on the Ledru affair. His daughter Beatrice Perrod Bonnamour continues the legacy by publishing his biography.
Rue Perrod’s history extends beyond these individuals. The eastern part of the street beyond Rue d’Isly was developed around 1842. It served as the axis of a small neighborhood built facing the ramparts. In 1929 plans were made to extend it westward. These plans remain unfulfilled as no subsequent buildings were constructed. A plaque on number 8 solemnly recalls a tragic event. On February 19 1944 Raymond Louis a patriot and member of the PCF was assassinated there by the Milice and Gestapo.
Today Rue Perrod is a blend of old and new. A wood sculptor invites visitors to their shop. The Bloo photography school established itself there in 2009. Businesses are concentrated towards Place des Tapis. They include a driving school a laundromat a fishing supplies vendor a butcher a hairdresser a decorator’s shop and a bar. Craftsmen are situated near Rue d’Isly. There’s a gunsmith an auto repair shop an electrical store and a psychologist’s office. Rue Perrod a quiet street with a vibrant past and a present full of life. A testament to Lyon’s enduring spirit.