Where the Saône gently flows, lies Saint-Rambert. This old French commune now belongs to Lyon. It is a special part of Lyon’s 9th arrondissement. Once upon a time, Saint-Rambert stood alone. It was a distinct village outside Lyon’s city limits.
In 1793, Saint-Rambert briefly took on a new name. It was called Beauvais-l’Isle-Barbe. This name marked a period of change for the commune. Before 1806, Saint-Rambert grew. It absorbed the former commune of L’Île Barbe.
Saint-Rambert saw its boundaries shift in 1836. The neighborhoods of Dargoire, Vacques, and Sauvagère joined Saint-Rambert. They were detached from Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or.
Lyon expanded in 1852. Vaise, La Guillotière, and La Croix-Rousse were annexed. Yet, Saint-Rambert remained separate. It was primarily a rural commune.
Lyon tried to annex Saint-Rambert’s industrial area in 1909. This area held most of the commune’s industries. It provided essential revenue. However, the municipal council of Saint-Rambert rejected this proposal. They voted unanimously against it.
The early 1960s brought financial challenges. Saint-Rambert was small at only 209 hectares. Its population was growing. The mayor, Pierre Chambion, sought help. He met with Louis Pradel, Lyon’s mayor. They discussed merging Saint-Rambert with Lyon.
Not everyone agreed with this plan. A committee formed. It aimed to defend the interests of Saint-Rambert.
On January 30, 1963, a vote took place. Saint-Rambert’s municipal council favored annexation. There were seventeen votes for it. One vote was against, and one abstained. Lyon’s municipal council also voted. Forty-five voted yes. Thirteen, from the communist group, voted no. Two socialists abstained.
The general council of the Rhône opposed the project. However, their opposition did not stop the merger. A decree was passed. Saint-Rambert was officially annexed to Lyon.
Saint-Rambert joined Lyon’s 5th arrondissement. Later, Lyon created the 9th arrondissement. Saint-Rambert became part of this new district. Before joining Lyon, Saint-Rambert belonged to the canton of Limonest.
In 1962, Saint-Rambert had 7,211 inhabitants. The commune has a coat of arms. It features a gold chevron. The chevron is charged with a blue macle. This coat of arms is displayed on the war memorial.
Saint-Rambert retains a village feel. Agriculture and artisanal activities continue here. The banks of the Saône offer relaxing spots. L’Île Barbe is part of Saint-Rambert. You can reach it via the Pont de l’Île Barbe. Saint-Rambert blends history and modern life. Its past is preserved within Lyon’s embrace.