Each Sunday, Le Progrès reviews the six most significant news stories of the week in Lyon. This week’s highlights include a devastating fire at the Chartreux institution, a new speed camera installed on Quai Maréchal-Joffre, a series of tire deflations, a gold medal for a Montchat beer, the redevelopment of Rue Joseph-Serlin in 2026, and the sale of the Château de l’Île Barbe.
1. East Wing of Les Chartreux Hit by a Major Fire
On Wednesday, April 1, around 9 PM, a fire broke out at the Chartreux school institution in La Croix-Rousse. The fire affected the east wing of the building, which includes classrooms and a boarding school. According to our information, 150 boarding students were calmly evacuated from the establishment and rehoused in a nearby building within the institution. According to a statement from Mayor Grégory Doucet, a supervisor had to be hospitalized after inhaling smoke.
2. Permanent Radar Installed on Quai Maréchal-Joffre, Limited to 30 km/h
A permanent speed camera was installed this Wednesday, April 1, on Quai Maréchal-Joffre, in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon. This axis is particularly prone to accidents, with several fatalities in recent years. It replaces an initial ‘construction’ radar that was installed in summer 2025, following insistent requests from the Métropole de Lyon, then led by ecologist Bruno Bernard. The Rhône prefecture states that, for now, it is only an ‘installation’ and not yet operational.
3. “My Tire Was Cut”: From 4x4s to Microcars, This Neighborhood Is the Target of Serial Punctures
Who is targeting the residents of Rue Hugues-Guérin and Impasse Colonel-Lamy? Or rather, their tires. For about two weeks, according to several witnesses, vehicles parked on these two parallel streets in the Langlet-Santy neighborhood in the 8th arrondissement have been regularly subjected to deliberate punctures. From 4x4s to microcars, including SUVs, no vehicle size seems to be spared. It is noted that tires on the sidewalk side are more often targeted. But by whom? It remains a mystery.
4. Montchat Brewery’s Triple Bock, a Characterful Brown Beer Wins Gold at International Competition
Gold medal for the Montchat Brewery’s Triple Bock! “It’s a German brown beer, from its original double bock style, which we’ve upgraded in the American way, meaning we’ve increased the alcohol level. But in taste, it remains relatively soft,” explains Christian Goineau. An amateur brewer since 2015, he decided to set up his business between 2019 and 2020. In the style of a mini-guinguette, Christian transformed his exterior into a microbrewery. In his own yard, he set up his brewing premises, created a mini-bar, and installed chairs and tables to welcome customers.
5. Rue Joseph-Serlin to Be Redeveloped in 2026, What About Other Planned Projects?
The renovation of several public spaces continues in the Terreaux sector. After the northern part of Rue de la République was temporarily redeveloped shortly after the departure of buses, it is now the turn of the Joseph-Serlin axis (Lyon 1st) to undergo a long period of work. The street, which in this section runs alongside the City Hall, is currently in disarray. The operation is being carried out as part of the Presqu’île à Vivre project, which is currently continuing between the Rhône and Saône rivers.
6. Château de l’Île Barbe Sold at Auction for 1,350,000 Euros
Sold for 1.35 million euros at auction this Thursday, April 2, the Château de l’Île Barbe in Lyon has found a new owner. Classified as a historical monument but abandoned for several years, this exceptional property will require significant renovation work. The property was acquired by Guillaume Langlois, a real estate developer from the company Palauma, during an auction at the administrative court of Lyon. It was offered with a starting price of 600,000 euros and was therefore sold for double its price.
Source: https://www.leprogres.fr/faits-divers-justice/2026/04/05/incendie-aux-chartreux-chateaux-de-l-ile-barbe-vendu-nouveau-radar-les-six-actus-qu-il-ne-fallait-pas-manquer-cette-semaine