Remains of the Ainay bridge

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We welcome you to our guided tour of the Ainay bridge, a now-disappeared structure that connected the two banks of the Saône in Lyon.

We are currently on the left bank, on the Tilsitt quay, where we can discover some remains of this emblematic structure. The Ainay bridge, also known by other names such as Pont Carron, Saint-Clair or Saint-Georges, has a fascinating history.

Originally built in wood between 1745 and 1749 by Degerando for the Hospices Civils de Lyon, it was damaged several times during its existence, notably during the floods of 1791 and the siege of Lyon in 1793. Its remains were dismantled and sold in 1795.

Despite several attempts at reconstruction, it was in 1818 that a new bridge was completed under the direction of the engineer Latombe.

This wooden bridge, restored in 1835, was replaced by a metal structure between 1897 and 1899. Unfortunately, the latter was destroyed by the Germans in 1944 and was never rebuilt. Today, only a few remains bear witness to the past existence of this bridge, visible here on the Tilsitt quay and the Fulchiron quay.

On this side you can see the ruins of the bridge parapet and a plaque commemorating the reconstruction of the bridge in 1899.

Opposite on the Quai Fulchiron, you can see the trace of the start of the arches, thus offering a unique perspective on the ancient structure which once linked the two banks of Lyon.

We invite you to explore these remains and imagine the once majestic bridge that was a symbol of the city of Lyon.

The Nazis blew up most of the bridges in the city of Lyon before leaving Lyon. The resistance managed to save two of the 24 bridges. The Ainay bridge is the only one not to be rebuilt.

The view shows the old Ainay bridge just after its reconstruction in 1820.

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Location of the old Ainay bridge, in Lyon, quai Tilsitt.

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Ainay Bridge in Lyon around 1900.

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The Tilsitt Bridge destroyed by the Germans in 1944.

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Departure from the Ainay bridge, Quai Fulchiron.

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View of the Saint-Georges district in Lyon (5th arrondissement) and the Ainay bridge in 1849, engraved by Balthazar Jean Baron with title below the image.

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Ruins of the parapet of the bridge on the left bank of the Saône.

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Ships in the Saône near Lyon.

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Pierre Bossan

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