The Edgar-Quinet square, located in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, has undergone a complete renovation to become a more welcoming and connected area to the neighborhood. Previously a closed-off square with aging facilities, the place now boasts an enlarged playground, a pétanque court, tiered seating, and an open fountain.
Following a consultation led by the Métropole de Lyon in 2023, the project involved flattening and opening the fountain basin to allow visitors to cool off with installed water jets. A pétanque court has also been set up along the Saint-Pothin church, responding to a request from a seniors' group.
For leisure, several games have been installed, including two foosball tables and two chess tables, complemented by urban furniture. The children's playground, now spanning 900 square meters, is accessible to people with disabilities. Quiet activities such as slates, a book exchange, play panels, and a barefoot path are also offered for children.
The work also included road improvements to enhance pedestrian safety. On rue Vendôme, a raised platform now limits vehicle speed, and the church's forecourt has been enlarged. The northern part of the square, along the shops, is now pedestrianized.
In front of the Lycée Édouard-Herriot, the forecourt has been expanded and equipped with urban furniture and new public lighting that highlights the school's facade. All these areas have been de-waterproofed and greened, with the planned planting of 17 trees this autumn to finalize the project.
The overall budget for this project amounts to 4.3 million euros, financed in part by the Métropole de Lyon (€2.3 million), the City of Lyon (€1.9 million), and the Water Agency (€123,625).
