Assassination of President Sadi Carnot

We are here to explore the fascinating history surrounding a red paving stone anchored in the ground, a silent witness to a tragic event: the assassination of President Sadi Carnot.

The paving stone under your feet is not just a stone, but rather a time portal that transports us to June 24, 1894. It was at this precise location that President Sadi Carnot, who had come to attend a scientific exhibition, was attacked by the Italian anarchist Santo Geronimo Caserio.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the streets of Lyon in 1894. President Carnot, a man devoted to the French Republic, was walking peacefully, greeting the crowd and discovering the wonders of the exhibition. However, on this day, history takes a tragic turn right where you are.

The red pavement beneath your feet has become a silent witness to the heinous act that cost the president his life. Caserio, armed with a concealed blade, stabbed Carnot twice. The pavement, now tinted symbolic red, preserves the memory of this dramatic event.

Sadi Carnot is rushed to the nearby town hall, but his injuries are too serious. A few hours later, France loses its president. The assassin, Caserio, is quickly captured and executed, marking the end of a tragedy that shook the nation.

As you stand here, feel the energy of the past, the echoes of this pivotal moment in history. This red paving stone is not just a stone in the ground, but a tangible link to the past, a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the moments that have shaped our history.