Following incidents last weekend in Lyon and across the country, new preventive measures are being implemented in public spaces by the City of Lyon. One week after the events that struck the city center on October 17th, the City of Lyon is reinforcing security measures. The Prefect of Rhône has banned all demonstrations this Saturday, October 24th, within a defined perimeter. For its part, the City has completed most of the restoration work in the Presqu'île, protected its buildings, and adapted the opening hours of its facilities.
By an order dated October 23rd, the Prefect of Rhône prohibits all demonstrations, processions, and protest gatherings in public areas on Saturday, October 24th, from 10 AM to 11 PM, within a large downtown perimeter. This perimeter includes the Presqu'île, from Place des Terreaux to Cours Charlemagne; part of the Vieux-Lyon; on the left bank, the Brotteaux, Part-Dieu, and Guillotière up to Cours Gambetta.
Maintaining public order falls under the responsibility of the Rhône Prefecture and the National Police. The City is protecting its buildings and staff, limiting the risk of damage, and restoring public spaces. Since Monday, October 19th, the City has increased the presence of the municipal police in shopping streets, doubling staff at night to help secure areas affected by vandalism. This increased presence will be maintained throughout the weekend.
Municipal services have cleaned over 3,100 m² of facades and street furniture, representing 95% of the tagged surfaces in the Presqu'île. The final work will be completed by Friday evening. The monuments at the Place des Jacobins and the Burdeau fountain are receiving special treatment due to their fragility.
The City has enhanced the protection of municipal buildings and removed anything that could be used as a projectile from the surroundings. Municipal construction sites have been secured, and about a hundred companies have received safety instructions. At the Théâtre des Célestins, the scaffolding is now surrounded by a 4-meter fence. On Place Bellecour, the former Tourist Office building has been secured. The City of Lyon has also requested the Métropole de Lyon to carry out similar removals and security measures for sites under its charge.
Weddings scheduled for Saturday will proceed in all district town halls. Opening hours vary: some are normal, others limited to weddings or specific administrative tasks. The Vieux-Lyon annex of the 5th district will be closed, and adjustments are planned for identity document appointments in the 8th district in the morning.
The Museum of Fine Arts and the Gadagne Museums will be closed on Saturday as they are within the prohibited zone. Libraries have adapted opening hours: some open from 10 AM to 1 PM, others at their usual times, and several will be closed. The Bibliobus is operating all its routes.
To support affected businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has opened a one-stop shop with the City's support (Contact: 04 72 40 59 59 / solidarite@lyon-metropole.cci.fr). The CCI has also announced an information loop for businesses. Over 500 businesses have been contacted by the Directorate of Economy, Commerce, and Crafts.
The City recommends that residents, workers, and shopkeepers in the prohibited area bring in their trash bins, bicycles, outdoor seating, and furniture from the morning, leave no objects that could be moved or thrown, and stay away from gatherings. The City of Lyon thanks its staff, residents, and shopkeepers for their patience and solidarity.
