Slipping away from the bustling Rue de Bourgogne, we find ourselves at the entrance of Rue Saint-Simon. Rue Saint-Simon stretches southward, a quiet path in Lyon’s 9th arrondissement. It’s a street of subtle transformations, evolving from a relatively quiet residential area to a hub of industrial activity. Rue Saint-Simon intersects with Rue Diebold and concludes at Rue Marietton. This street isn’t just a path; it’s a journey through time, echoing with the whispers of Lyon’s industrial past.
Rue Saint-Simon is a street of contrasts. The wide expanse in front of the former Renault workshops and the TCL depot speaks to its industrial character. Yet, tucked away are remnants of its quieter beginnings. Two inconspicuous impasses branch off westward. One, formerly known as Impasse des Jardins, is nestled between the old Renault workshop and its walled parking area. The other appears after the parking area. It’s located in front of the facades of Impasse Paquet Mérel, their sides facing the street before a large garden wall shields the square FIDEV house.
Rue Saint-Simon has witnessed the changing face of Lyon. In the mid-19th century, it was a humble path serving nurseries. Over the 20th century, it transformed into a center of industrial activity. The presence of companies like SLI and the TCL depot shaped its character. The echoes of the electronic music festival “Nuits Sonores,” held in the former SLI factory in 2008, still reverberate along the street.
The name “Saint-Simon” itself carries a story. While the exact origin remains a mystery, it’s believed to refer to the Saint-Simon district slightly south of the street. The former Chemin de Saint Just à Saint Simon, now Avenue Sidoine Apollinaire, reinforces this connection. Adding another layer to the story, the disciples of Saint Simon, including Père Enfantin, visited Lyon in 1831, leaving their own mark on the city’s history.
As we stand here, at the intersection of past and present, Rue Saint-Simon reminds us that even the quietest streets hold vibrant stories. It’s a testament to Lyon’s industrial heritage, a silent observer of the city’s growth and evolution. The street’s unassuming presence belies its rich history, a story waiting to be discovered by those who pause and listen.