Farmers Maintain M7 Blockade South of Lyon, Prepared for Extended Protest
Lyon, January 5, 2026 – Farmers in the Rhône region are continuing their protest against the Mercosur free trade agreement, maintaining a blockade on the M7 motorway south of Lyon, specifically in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite. The Rural Coordination of Rhône has announced that the blockade will persist until at least Tuesday morning, with protesters prepared to stay overnight on site.
Overnight Stay and Preparedness for Cold Weather
Serge Genevay, president of the Rural Coordination of Rhône, confirmed their resolve: “We will hold this position until tomorrow morning. We will sleep here. Tomorrow morning, we will still be here.” To combat the cold, the farmers are well-equipped, having brought containers with beds, mattresses, and heating facilities. “We have everything we need for food. We are organized to hold out. Moreover, we can easily resupply ourselves from the nearby National road,” Genevay stated.
Potential for Week-Long Mobilization
The protest could extend throughout the week, as suggested by Genevay. “We might even stay until the day after tomorrow (Wednesday), depending on how things develop nationally and especially regionally.” This indicates a strong determination among the farmers to ensure their demands are heard. The M7 will therefore remain blocked in both directions south of Lyon for the foreseeable future, at least through Tuesday morning.
Wider Protests in Isère
In addition to the Rhône region, similar actions are expected to continue in Isère on Tuesday, as warned by the prefecture. The affected areas could include the A51 motorway near the entrance to the Col du Fau, the A7 motorway at the Chanas entrance, as well as the Briord bridge and the Lagnieu bridge. Travelers are advised to anticipate disruptions and seek alternative routes.
Background to the Farmers’ Anger
The farmers’ discontent primarily stems from the anticipated signing of the Mercosur free trade agreement. They argue that the deal would expose them to unfair competition from South American agricultural products, which are often produced under different environmental and social standards. This is not a new issue, as farmers have been expressing concerns about this and other governmental policies for some time. [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/societe/lyon-les-agriculteurs-du-rhone-en-colere-sont-de-retour-une-action-choc-prevue_61865489.html) previously reported on renewed farmer protests in the Rhône area in November 2024, with calls for the government to uphold promises made earlier in the year. Blockades on motorways, such as the A42 and M6, were seen in early 2024, and the blocking of the A450 was planned for January 6, 2025, to pressure the government over phytosanitary solutions. [bfmtv.com](https://www.bfmtv.com/lyon/colere-des-agriculteurs-un-blocage-de-l-a450-prevu-le-6-janvier-au-sud-de-lyon_AN-202501040076.html) and [leprogres.fr](https://www.leprogres.fr/transport/2025/01/06/info-trafic-vos-conditions-de-circulation-ce-lundi-6-janvier-dans-l-agglomeration-lyonnaise) both covered these earlier mobilizations, highlighting the farmers’ deep-seated concerns about their livelihoods and the future of French agriculture. The dissolution of the National Assembly had reportedly stalled parliamentary work, including the Agricultural Orientation Bill, further fueling the farmers’ frustration. [rhone.gouv.fr](https://www.rhone.gouv.fr/Actualites/Manifestation-des-agriculteurs) and [loire.gouv.fr](https://www.loire.gouv.fr/Actualites/Actualites/Manifestations-des-agriculteurs-conditions-de-circulation) provide further context on previous farmer protests and their impact on traffic in the region.
Impact on Commuters and Public Advisory
The ongoing blockade is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions for commuters in and around Lyon. Authorities are advising motorists to anticipate delays, consider alternative routes, and, if possible, work remotely. Updates on the traffic situation will be crucial for residents in the affected areas.
Source: [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/oullins-pierre-benite_69149/lyon-les-agriculteurs-en-colere-bloquent-la-m7-quelles-actions-prevues-ce-mardi_63653417.html)
