Six Key News Stories from Lyon This Week
Lyon, May 3 – This past week in Lyon was marked by a series of diverse and impactful events, from archaeological discoveries to urban planning debates and judicial rulings. Le Progrès has compiled the six most significant news items that captured the city’s attention.
1. Lyon City Council’s SOS Méditerranée Subsidy Overturned, Mayor Doucet Appeals
A judicial ruling has overturned a €12,000 subsidy granted by the City of Lyon to the humanitarian organization SOS Méditerranée in November 2023. The administrative court, acting on a complaint from a citizen, found that the city should have mandated an explicit commitment from the association to use the funds exclusively for its international sea rescue operations. The judges have ordered SOS Méditerranée to return the funds. Mayor Grégory Doucet has acknowledged the decision but announced his intention to appeal.
2. Monplaisir Swimming Pool to Be Demolished for MJC Expansion
The former Monplaisir swimming pool, closed since 2014 due to its dilapidated condition, is slated for demolition. Olivier Berzane, the ecological mayor of the 8th arrondissement, proposes razing the pool and its annexes to facilitate the expansion of the nearby MJC (Youth and Culture Centre). While the project is in its early stages, opposition members have expressed concerns regarding the lack of studies, cost estimations, and consultation with elected officials.
3. Controversy Surrounds Chemin Neuf Hill After Teenage Cyclist’s Accident
Following a severe accident on April 26 involving a 14-year-old cyclist who crashed into a wall on the Chemin Neuf hill, a debate has intensified regarding the route’s safety for cyclists. Users and residents report almost daily falls on this road, which was closed to cars by the ecological city council in 2024. The Métropole and the City of Lyon state they are working on road improvements and better signage, with over 200 municipal police checks conducted since January 2025.
4. “La Liseuse” Fresco on Rhône Quays Partially Erased, an Error in Detagging
A well-known fresco on the Rhône quays, “La Liseuse,” has been partially erased, reportedly due to an error during a cleaning operation in July 2025. While the Métropole de Lyon, which delegated cleaning services to the city, clarified that the artwork was intended to be ephemeral, a meeting between city and Métropole officials is scheduled for September 2026 to discuss the future of the fresco.
5. Fifteen Skeletons Discovered During Ainay Excavations
On Wednesday, April 29, archaeological excavations on Rue de l’Abbaye-d’Ainay in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement unearthed about fifteen adult skeletons, drawing considerable public curiosity. These excavations, led by the Lyon Archaeology Directorate, are expected to continue for another two weeks before planned street rehabilitation works by the Métropole can commence. The origin of these burials, dating back to the 11th or 16th century, remains a mystery.
6. Les Chartreux School Appeals for Donations After Fire
Following a devastating fire in early April that ravaged one of the three wings of the private Catholic institution Les Chartreux, reconstruction efforts are set to begin. Although insurance is expected to cover the majority of the costs, Father Jean-Bernard Plessy, the general director, has launched a fundraising campaign. In a letter to parents and supporters, he appealed for donations to finance the reconstruction, aiming for completion within 24 months at the latest.
