Lyon, February 5 – A prominent ‘Chez Jules’ bakery in Lyon’s affluent 6th arrondissement has been administratively closed by the Rhône Prefecture following a surprise hygiene inspection. The closure, effective immediately, was prompted by the discovery of “major shortcomings” that posed a risk to public health.
Major Hygiene Breaches Lead to Immediate Closure
The bakery, situated on Boulevard des Brotteaux, is part of the well-known ‘Jules’ chain with multiple locations across the Lyon metropolitan area. However, the branch in question faced severe sanctions after a control conducted by hygiene services on February 2, 2026.
According to the prefectural order posted on the establishment’s storefront, the inspection revealed a litany of serious violations, including:
- Absence of maintenance in storage areas.
- Non-compliance with temperature regulations for food preservation.
- Presence of expired foodstuffs.
- Lack of self-monitoring of surfaces.
- Deficient traceability of food products.
- Presence of rodent droppings within the premises.
- A significant lack of general maintenance.
The surprise inspection was initiated by the regional directorate for food, agriculture, and forestry (Draaf) – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and carried out by the departmental directorate for the protection of populations (DDPP) of the Rhône. The findings were documented by Bureau Veritas Exploitation, an entity frequently involved in such inspections.
Conditions for Reopening and Company Response
The bakery, which has been established in the bustling Brotteaux district since 2011, will only be permitted to reopen once all the identified issues have been rectified and a subsequent inspection by hygiene services confirms compliance. The owners have a two-month period to contest the prefectural order before the administrative court.
Attempts to reach the management of ‘Chez Jules’ for comment on the closure and its implications were unsuccessful.
Broader Context of Hygiene Controls in Lyon
This incident is not isolated, as other food establishments in Lyon have recently faced similar closures due to hygiene concerns. Previously, an industrial bakery and a kebab shop in the city were also shut down by the prefecture for comparable reasons, highlighting an ongoing focus by authorities on ensuring food safety standards across the region.
The Rhône Prefecture continues to conduct regular and unannounced inspections to safeguard consumer health, underscoring the importance of rigorous hygiene practices for all food businesses operating in Lyon and the wider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
