After a weekend of high tension, the Rhône Prefecture announced drastic measures to restore calm. A curfew, a ban on gatherings… Here’s what’s changing in Lyon on Tuesday, October 20.
On Saturday, October 17, the demonstration that drew nearly 20,000 people to Lyon was the scene of unprecedented violence. Between clashes with law enforcement (more than a hundred injuries among police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters) and the ransacking and looting of stores by rioters, the toll is heavy. In total, 200 people have already been arrested.
Faced with this situation, and after consulting with the mayor of Lyon and representatives of local merchants, the prefect of the Rhône department, Étienne Guyot, decided to take strong action to reassure residents.
Ban on demonstrations and nighttime curfew
To prevent any further unrest, two emergency measures are taking effect across much of the Presqu’île:
- From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (this Tuesday, October 20): A total ban on all gatherings, processions, or protest marches on public roads.
- From 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday): A strict curfew has been imposed. Vehicle traffic and the presence of pedestrians on public roads are completely prohibited during this time.
What area of Lyon is affected?
The restricted area encompasses the heart of the Presqu’île. Here are the boundaries of the affected zone:
- In the North: Rue Constantine, Place des Terreaux (the square is excluded from the zone), and Rue Joseph Serlin.
- In the East: Quais du Rhône (Jean-Moulin, Jules-Courmont, Gailleton).
- In the South: Cours de Condé.
- In the West: Quais de Saône (Joffre, Tilsitt, Célestins, Saint-Antoine, Pêcherie). (Note: The bridges crossing the Rhône and the Saône remain open to traffic and are excluded from this perimeter.)
Don’t panic if you had plans to go to the movies or a restaurant—the prefecture has clarified that bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and performance venues will remain open. Public transportation (TCL) and private vehicles are also still permitted in the area.
Exemptions for walking during curfew
As with previous curfews, you may justify your presence on public streets for certain specific reasons:
- Return home or leave your residence/hotel.
- Medical or veterinary emergencies, purchasing medications.
- Compelling family reasons, child care, or assistance to vulnerable individuals.
- Commute to work (law enforcement, emergency responders, journalists, public service employees, elected officials).
- Drive through the area (provided you do not stop there).
Law enforcement will be deployed in large numbers on the ground tonight to ensure compliance with these rules.
