“Before 1909, this was known as Rue Saint Pothin.” Now we stand on Rue Philippe de Lassalle. This street bears the name of a remarkable Lyonnais. Let me tell you his story.
Philippe de Lassalle lived from 1723 to 1804 or 1805 depending on the source. He excelled as a silk decorator. Born in Seyssel, a town up the Rhone, he came to Lyon for his studies. He died in Lyon’s Place des Terreaux. He was the greatest painter of Lyonnaise silk in the 18th century.
De Lassalle prepared portraits for Catherine II and Louis XV. He also created war and nature scenes. His works can be seen at the Musée des Tissus. This museum dedicates a room to his creations. Before 1909, Rue Philippe de Lassalle was named Rue Saint Pothin. Another La Salle defended the Morand bridge in 1793. Jean David Tourlouron was his name. He extinguished a fuse on a burning boat but died during the siege.
As you look around Rue Philippe de Lassalle, notice the architecture. Buildings of significance line the street. Many pavilions and properties stand protected by walls. The southern part features trolleybus cables. The central part is wide. A median is under construction here. The eastern side before Rue Bonnet is truly urban. Buildings line up along the street. Most date back to 1959 or 1960. Number 6 dates to 1937 and number 12 has a green gate from 1953.
The wall at number 11 still shows a posting ban from 1935. At number 50, a modern building has balconies of striking blue. The concrete side of Sainte Elisabeth church faces the pink Flammarion school. North of Rue Henon, a glass cube precedes the cemeteries’ long walls. These cemeteries feature a curved concrete gate and stained-glass bell tower. From the Bailieux stadium at number 53, you can see the large Favre boarding house. The stadium’s pavilion dates from 1910.
On the east side, find apartment blocks and small marble workshops. One workshop dates back to 1914. Two modern residences are scattered in parks. The fire station has two large gates against a concrete wall. A superb wisteria adorns the gate at the corner of Rue Roussy.
The street has been straightened in the 20th century. This happened when constructing the Rue Pernon area from 1922. Architects F and V Clermont designed it. The old path became Rue Dangon. Collective housing changed the street’s appearance from the mid-20th century. Rue Philippe de Lassalle is known for sports activities. There are three Velo V bike stations here. The synthetic football stadium behind Espace Lamartine honors Gregory Coupet. The mayor of Lyon dedicated it on October 26, 2005. Coupet was the goalkeeper for OL, then four-time French football champion. The surface makes the stadium quiet and includes a running track.
At number 53 is a new stadium with handball, basketball, rollerblade areas plus a climbing wall. It is painted with mountain scenery as the Bailieux gymnasium, home of PESD volleyball. An alley leads to the TCCR tennis courts. After sports, you can relax at Sainte Elisabeth church. Facing the Croix Rousse cemeteries, there is a flower shop and three marble workers. Barroud shows its founding date of 1899. The fire station is at the corner of Rue Sabran. The CRDP and SCEREN are at the corner of Place Flammarion. You will find eleven medical professions, a hairdresser, an architect, a mover, a gas station and four companies here. A square provides benches and children’s games.
Philippe de Lassalle’s legacy lives on. He shaped Lyon’s silk industry. His artistry graced royal courts. As you wander, remember the man behind the name.