Autumn 2026 marks a double architectural triumph for the multimodal exchange hub (PEM) at Lyon Part-Dieu. It has been distinguished by the Prix Versailles as one of the Most Beautiful Stations in the World 2026. Concurrently, Place Basse Béraudier was honored at the 2026 Eiffel Architecture Prizes in the 'Public Space' category. These accolades celebrate the transformations undertaken over more than a decade around the station and the architectural quality of the new spaces created.
Place Basse Béraudier particularly impressed the jury of the Eiffel Prizes, chaired by Dominique Jakob, in the 'Public Space' category. Two architectural elements were highlighted: the helical bicycle ramp and the monumental awning. The metal ramp, 80 meters long and 4 meters wide, wraps around the circular opening of the square, offering a spectacular access to the bike station. The monumental awning, 38 meters in diameter and supported by nine pillars, protects pedestrian access to the square and the metro, conveying an impression of lightness despite its impressive brushed stainless steel structure.
SPL Lyon Part-Dieu, the contracting authority for the Metropole de Lyon, thanked the project designers and companies for their commitment to this project spanning ten years of studies and work. Partners included VINCI Immobilier, l’AUC (architects), BASE Paysagiste, Egis, Agence ON, and Scop Cabrol for the construction of the awning and bicycle ramp.
On the international stage, the Lyon Part-Dieu PEM is among the six projects selected for the Prix Versailles 2026 in the 'Gares et stations' (Stations) category. This award highlights achievements that combine design excellence, creativity, and innovation, while serving mobility and revitalizing neighborhoods. The Lyon exchange hub is nominated alongside stations in Melbourne, Rome, Naples, and Riyadh, as well as the LAX / Metro exchange hub in Los Angeles.
The Prix Versailles nomination underscores the metamorphosis of this dense facility into a 'true piece of the city open to all.' The transformation of the Part-Dieu PEM, which required about ten years of work, is likened to a contemporary reinvention of the traboules of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse. Three stations will receive a global title on December 10th at the UNESCO Headquarters.
