Lyon, April 8, 2026 – Yesterday, April 7, 2026, several districts in Lyon were placed under stringent security measures and partial lockdown as President Emmanuel Macron arrived for the global ‘One Health’ summit. The event, focused on global health, led to the deployment of hundreds of police and gendarmes, significantly impacting daily life for many residents.
Extensive Security Around Prefecture and International City
A large area surrounding the Rhône Prefecture in the 3rd arrondissement was under high security surveillance from Tuesday morning. President Macron arrived around noon for a luncheon with several foreign heads of state, including Hun Manet of Cambodia, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, and Duma Boko of Botswana.
The gendarmerie cordoned off the area around the official building, closing several streets including Rue de la Part-Dieu, Avenue Maréchal-de-Saxe, Rue de Bonnel, and Rue Pierre Corneille. Motorists were restricted to the quays, which became particularly congested from late morning onwards. Many residents were reportedly unaware of the summit and the traffic restrictions in place.
Strict Controls for Residents and Commuters
Within the secured perimeter, residents were required to present a national identity card and proof of address. Professionals also needed an identity card and an employer’s certificate. Other individuals had to provide documents such as restaurant reservations or doctor’s appointments. These restrictions in the prefecture area were in effect until 5:00 PM.
Bus routes operated by TCL (Lyon’s public transport system) were also diverted, causing frustration among some users who learned of the changes at the last minute.
‘One Health’ Summit Continues at Cité Internationale
The remainder of the summit was scheduled to take place in the afternoon at the convention center in the Cité Internationale in the 6th arrondissement. While the Parc de la Tête d’Or remained largely open and busy due to the near-summery weather, access to the Cité Internationale was filtered. Although access was possible, the same strict conditions applied until 10:00 PM: visitors had to present an identity card, proof of residence for the few inhabitants of the Cité, or reservations for the cinema or restaurants.
The Quai Charles de Gaulle, running along the Cité Internationale, was closed to traffic. The pedestrian bridge ‘Passerelle de la Paix’ between Caluire and Lyon over the Rhône, as well as the road bridge between Villeurbanne and Caluire, were also closed.
The visit and the summit highlighted the logistical challenges and security complexities involved in hosting high-profile international events, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Source: actu.fr
