Often pointed out for its mineral and stifling appearance in the summer, it has attracted both citizen complaints and political attacks. It even became a campaign argument, especially for Jean-Michel Aulas, who made greening it a key promise. This Thursday, January 22, the City Council decided: the northern part will be greened.
The City is taking a gradual approach, while waiting for a complete transformation of Bellecour Square. In its statement, the municipality refers to a project as a “transitory” one, designed as an immediate improvement for comfort and freshness. The idea is clear: to meet the expectations of Lyon residents without waiting for a massive construction project covering the entire square.
3,500 m² redesigned on the north side of the square
The northern walkway, stretching 230 meters long, is getting a facelift while honoring the site’s heritage identity. Already home to 42 oak trees, this area will enjoy a renaturation of tree bases thanks to continuous planting pits. Low plant layers and shrubs will be added to create shade, coolness, and a more peaceful atmosphere right in the heart of Lyon.
The greening aims to encourage people to cross and stop at Place Bellecour. Seating will be installed to promote walking under the double row of trees. The city aims to create a visual and landscape continuity with the south side of the square, which has already been developed, to maintain heritage coherence in this classified site.
Work to be completed by the end of 2026, with a budget of 1.3 million euros
And the good news is that the long-discussed technical hurdles are no longer an obstacle. The project had been delayed due to the underground parking and metro located beneath the square. But preliminary studies have confirmed the feasibility of the operation. State services have even given a principle agreement for this targeted greening of the northern promenade.
The City of Lyon is taking charge of a project estimated at 1.3 million euros. The management responsibility will be transferred from the Metropolis to the City, with construction set to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. This is a very political first step for Bellecour, which could herald a more ambitious transformation to come.