Lidl Unveils Its Largest Store in Lyon within Historic Citroën Garage
Lyon, France – February 27, 2026 – German discount retailer Lidl has officially opened its largest store in Lyon, a monumental 2,354 square meter supermarket located in the former Art Deco Citroën garage in the Guillotière district (7th arrondissement). The building, a historical monument since 1992, saw its grand opening to the public on Thursday, February 26, 2026, following a preview for select guests on Wednesday evening.
A “Gigantic” Supermarket in a Landmark Location
The new Lidl store, situated on Rue de Marseille between the universities and Gabriel-Péri, has been described as “gigantic” by early visitors. Its immense scale sets it apart from other Lidl locations in the city, offering a vast array of products beyond just food items, including household equipment.
Upon entering, customers are greeted by a monumental entrance and a dedicated bakery, pastry, and viennoiserie section, a staple of Lidl’s success in France. This strategic location, surrounded by universities, aims to attract a diverse clientele, including families, local workers, and the numerous students from nearby campuses. The previous Lidl store, located directly opposite, had become too small to accommodate its 18,000 weekly customers. The new store aims to serve 25,000 customers per week, with the former location slated to become a Mr. Bricolage.
Spacious Aisles and Extensive Product Offerings
The supermarket boasts exceptionally wide aisles, providing a comfortable shopping experience. Dedicated sections include hygiene and beauty products, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, a wine cellar, a flower and plant area, and a large home equipment department. The checkout area is equally impressive, featuring approximately fifteen self-checkout registers.
Navigating Historical Building Constraints
The project faced several challenges and delays due to the historical significance of the building. Constructed in 1923, the former Citroën garage was one of the largest garages and service stations in France. Lidl had to adhere to stringent requirements from the DRAC (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs) and the Architects of Bâtiments de France to preserve the site’s historical integrity.
To respect the building’s original architecture, no drilling was permitted in the ceiling. Lighting and technical networks are suspended by aerial cables. Furthermore, no excavation was carried out to avoid altering the historic slab, and an interior ramp was created to harmonize the different levels. The iconic checkered floors have been left entirely free of furniture to highlight the original design.
Operating Hours and Future Expansion Plans
The new Lidl store is open daily from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 12:15 PM.
Lidl’s expansion in Lyon is far from over. The company plans to open three more stores in the coming months: one in the Girondins district (currently under construction), another in La Duchère (9th arrondissement), and a third in the États-Unis district.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-c-est-gigantesque-lidl-ouvre-un-immense-magasin-dans-un-celebre-batiment-historique_63896840.html
