Mions, June 8, 2026 – More than 200 caravans belonging to Travellers have arrived and illegally occupied two plots of land in Mions, a commune to the east of Lyon, since Sunday, June 7, 2026. This follows similar incidents in other communes in the Rhône department and the Lyon metropolitan area. The mayor of Mions, Mickaël Paccaud (LR), has strongly condemned the occupation, citing “threats, insults, and outrage” and has vowed to take a firm stance, initiating legal proceedings with state services.
Illegal Occupation and Mayor’s Immediate Response
The Travellers have occupied two sites: one private and one public, specifically in the Pasteur sector and on Rue Mangetemps. The municipality stated in a press release that “this occupation occurred outside any legal framework, without the consent of the affected owners or the City.”
Mayor Paccaud reported that he, accompanied by gendarmes, went to the scene to try and prevent the initial settlement in the Pasteur sector. “Despite the immediate mobilization of all stakeholders, this could not be avoided,” he stated.
Approximately twenty minutes later, a second attempt at occupation was observed in the Mangetemps sector. “Thanks to the responsiveness of the mobilized teams, its extension to a field was prevented, but the occupation could not be completely avoided on all the affected plots,” the communiqué continued.
According to Le Progrès, the technical services of Mions, assisted by those from the nearby commune of Saint-Priest, dug trenches in front of communal fields to prevent further illegal occupations, at the mayor’s request.
Mayor’s Firm Stance Against “Resignation and Accomplishment”
Mayor Paccaud has affirmed his determination to address the situation. “I want to send a clear message to the residents: I will not yield to resignation or to the fait accompli. 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 successful. I will also not tolerate any threats, insults, or outrage against anyone,” he declared.
The mayor hopes for the evacuation of the Travellers, though this outcome is not yet guaranteed.
Increasing Illegal Occupations in the Region
Illegal occupations by Travellers have been on the rise in communes across the Rhône department and the Lyon metropolitan area as summer approaches. Mions’ situation follows a similar event in Chaponnay just days prior, highlighting a recurring challenge for local authorities in the region.
The mayor’s office emphasizes the need for a swift resolution to uphold the rule of law and protect both private and public property. The legal procedures initiated aim to secure an evacuation order for the occupied sites.
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between local authorities and Traveller communities regarding access to suitable and legal stopping places, a recurring issue in various parts of France.
The municipality of Mions has not yet provided a timeline for the potential evacuation, but the mayor’s resolute stance indicates a strong commitment to resolving the situation.
