A quiet street in Lyon. This is Rue Pierre Sonnerat. Its name may not ring a bell but its story is captivating.
Rue Pierre Sonnerat is a relatively short street. It runs between Rue Seignemartin and Rue Laennec. The houses here are a mix of styles. Some stand in neat rows. Others are nestled within gardens. Small buildings rise no higher than three stories. At number two a large wisteria vine sprawls across a prominent balcony. Number fifteen features a charming cluster of burgundy-painted houses. They are attached to a small tower. A little-known detail is a hidden Evangelical Protestant church tucked away on this very street.
The street’s namesake was a remarkable man. Pierre Sonnerat. Born in Lyon in 1748 he was a naturalist and explorer. Like his uncle Pierre Poivre he journeyed through Indonesia searching for spices. Sonnerat is famous for scientifically describing the lychee fruit. He is also known for naming the indri lemur. He supposedly misunderstood his Malagasy guide. The guide shouted indri meaning look. Sonnerat mistook this for the lemur’s name. Another interesting fact is that many of the buildings along Rue Pierre Sonnerat date back to 1913. Half the plots were already built. Most buildings on this street are from that period.
Rue Pierre Sonnerat is a small street. It holds a rich history. It is the quiet home to an interesting church. The street’s namesake remains a significant figure in scientific history. His exploration brought the lychee fruit to the world. He also left his mark on the world of lemurs. Walking down this street you glimpse into Lyon’s past. You experience the story of a man who went far afield yet is remembered on a small street in his birthplace.