“Ever heard of a South African president honored in Lyon?” That’s the question Rue Président Krüger subtly poses. This street in Lyon’s 8th arrondissement carries the name of Paul Krüger. He was president of the Transvaal Republic.
Rue Président Krüger begins where Rue Cézard ends. It stretches eastward until it meets Rue Bataille. The street faces number 142. That is at the junction with Rue Blanchet.
This street offers a glimpse into Lyon’s urban evolution. The first section features one-story houses. They lack uniform alignment. Then the street crosses Place du Transvaal.
The north side presents varied architecture. It has old houses. There is also a row of garages. A large building from the 2000s curves onto Rue Pinton. On the south side houses stand within gardens. Some of these houses might soon be replaced by a new building. An office building and a recessed workshop complete this part of the street.
After Rue Pinton, an interesting structure appears. Decitre’s workshop has a beveled corner. It creates a small space. Three shrubs grow there. The workshop leans against a taller building. This building’s facade faces a garden. The garden has benches and a lawn. It marks the junction with Rue Bataille. The north side features small facades. They reflect a style from the year 2000. These facades surround a long alley. The alley reveals similar houses. It resembles a small village. The street ends at a factory side along Rue Blanchet.
Paul Krüger lived from 1825 to 1904. He played a key role in South African history. In 1856, he helped establish the Transvaal Republic. He commanded its armies. Krüger later became president. He was defeated by the British during the Boer War. This forced him into exile in Europe.
Lyon honored President Krüger. He made a stop at Gare de Perrache on December 1, 1900. Locals gave him a warm welcome.
Rue Président Krüger has existed since 1920. It was part of a new district then. The south side once housed factories including a wire-drawing mill. It opened onto Rue Bataille around 1990.
Decitre ships books from this street. If you want to read them go to their website. You can also visit their store in Place Bellecour.
Look for a gate with a sign. It reads “rucher observatoire.” This refers to an order from 1984.
Several businesses operate here. Neuhaus makes hoists. GDF has a training center. Promobat is also located here. A V station provides bicycles.
Rue Président Krüger offers a quiet contrast. It is near the bustling Avenue Jean Mermoz. The street is close to the Faculty of Medicine. Some people mistakenly call it Professeur Krüger Street. The area features a mix of small housing complexes and villas with gardens.
Exploring Rue Président Krüger reveals layers of history. It links Lyon to South Africa. The street is a quiet reminder of a distant president.