Over 200 Caravans of Travelers Arrive Near Lyon, Mayor Takes Radical Decision
Mions, France – June 8, 2026 – Over 200 caravans belonging to travelers have arrived in Mions, a commune near Lyon, occupying both private and public land since Sunday, June 7, 2026. This latest influx follows a series of similar illegal occupations in the Rhône department and the Lyon metropolitan area, prompting the mayor of Mions, Mickaël Paccaud (LR), to take a firm stance.
The occupied sites include plots in the Pasteur sector and Rue Mangetemps. The municipality stated that the occupation occurred “outside any legal framework, without the consent of the concerned owners or the City.”
Mayor and Gendarmes Attempt to Prevent Installation
Mayor Paccaud reported that he, along with gendarmes, went to the site to try to prevent the initial installation in the Pasteur sector. Despite their immediate mobilization, the installation could not be avoided. Approximately twenty minutes later, a second attempt at installation was observed in the Mangetemps sector. While the spread to a field was prevented due to the rapid response of the mobilized teams, the occupation of the relevant plots could not be entirely averted.
According to Le Progrès, the mayor requested the technical services of Mions, aided by those from the nearby commune of Saint-Priest, to dig trenches in front of communal fields that could potentially be illegally occupied.
“I Will Not Yield to Resignation or Accomplishment”
Mayor Paccaud has assured residents that he will not give in to the situation. He stated, “I want to send a clear message to the residents: I will not yield to resignation or accomplishment. From the very first moment, I have defended the interests of the commune with determination, and I will continue to act with the same firmness until the initiated procedures are completed. Furthermore, I will not accept threats, insults, or outrage against anyone.”
The mayor has immediately requested that all legal procedures be initiated and has promptly contacted the competent state services. He hopes for the evacuation of the travelers, though this request is far from guaranteed.
Context of Growing Concerns
The arrival of these caravans is part of a broader trend of illegal occupations by travelers in the region. This situation raises concerns among local authorities regarding property rights, public order, and the strain on local resources.
The mayor’s decision to dig trenches and pursue legal action underscores the growing frustration among local officials facing repeated unauthorized installations. The municipality aims to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that residents’ concerns are addressed.
The situation remains under close observation by local authorities as they await the outcome of the legal procedures and potential state intervention.
