Lyon’s Week in Review: Six Stories You Can’t Miss
Lyon, May 18 – This past week in Lyon has been marked by a series of events spanning social issues, urban development, culture, and health. From distressing situations at an elderly care facility to innovative citizen engagement, the city has seen a diverse range of developments. Here’s a summary of the six most significant local stories.
1. Residents of Notre-Dame du Bon Secours EHPAD Face New Turmoil
The residents of the Notre-Dame du Bon Secours EHPAD are enduring further distress following a recent health inspection. After being informed in April that the facility illegally intended to evict them by the end of the year, the EHPAD’s kitchens were closed by the Rhône prefecture earlier this week due to sanitary concerns. The administration has reportedly raised issues about the kitchen’s condition for several months, but no action plan was presented by the management. This closure adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the residents and their families.
2. A Mother and Three Children Living in a Car After Eviction
A poignant story emerged this week concerning Nora, a single mother of three, who has been living in her car with her children since their eviction from their Tassin-la-Demi-Lune apartment on April 27. The family, including an 18-year-old son with a disability, has been moving from parking lot to parking lot. The eviction was ordered by the Lyon judicial court in September 2025, stemming from a prolonged neighborhood dispute. This situation highlights the growing issue of homelessness in the region.
3. Véronique Sarselli Addresses Safety and Reopening of Montée du Chemin Neuf
Véronique Sarselli, President of the Métropole, visited the Montée du Chemin Neuf in the 5th arrondissement on May 13 to discuss its safety and potential reopening to traffic. The challenge lies in balancing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians with the desire to allow vehicle access. While residents expressed satisfaction with the proposed safety measures, some remain hesitant about reopening the road to motorists, especially given recent cycling accidents. This issue has become a focal point of a political and safety debate between the City and the Métropole.
4. Creator of ‘Anis des Gones’ Launches YouTube Series
Richard Ducret, known for creating the Lyonnaise aniseed spirit ‘Anis des Gones’ and having managed a distillery for five years, is now venturing into filmmaking. After closing his distillery in November 2025, Ducret decided to launch a YouTube sitcom titled ‘Comptoir.’ The series will feature 20 episodes, each lasting between three and six minutes, released weekly. This new endeavor showcases Ducret’s creative spirit and adaptability.
5. World’s Longest-Surviving Heart Transplant Recipient Celebrates 45 Years
On May 14, 1981, his 37th birthday, Michel Corniglion underwent a heart transplant. Forty-five years later, at 82 years old, he continues to thrive with his transplanted heart. A surgeon by profession, Corniglion reflected on the era when heart transplants were nearly abandoned due to numerous failures. Having gained media attention throughout his life for his successful transplant, he now advocates for greater organ donation. His story is a testament to medical progress and the importance of organ donation.
6. Mayor of Lyon Launches ‘Mai Citoyen’ for Participatory Democracy
Mayor Grégory Doucet has initiated ‘Mai Citoyen,’ a series of public meetings aimed at enhancing participatory democracy in Lyon. Doucet stated his intention to “organize dedicated times for meeting and listening to residents.” Key consultations include discussions on pedestrianizing Rue Grenette and the potential creation of a swimming basin at the Confluence, which has already gathered feedback from nearly 15,000 residents. This initiative underscores the mayor’s commitment to involving citizens in urban planning and decision-making.
These six stories provide a snapshot of the dynamic and evolving landscape of Lyon, touching upon critical social concerns, infrastructure debates, cultural innovations, and civic engagement.
