Place Bellecour is becoming a strategic spot in the Lyon municipal campaign. On Friday, January 9, Jean-Michel Aulas unveiled his greening project, clearly designed as a direct response to the current ecological majority. Where Grégory Doucet had promised a lush green square, residents of Lyon ended up with just a shaded area, the Urban Weaving project, which has been criticized for its lack of impact against heat islands.
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A bold, green project for Bellecour
Jean-Michel Aulas promises a genuine and sustainable transformation of Bellecour. His project plans for plantings across various areas of the square, featuring shrubs, rows of trees, and diverse vegetation spread over large areas. The whole initiative would rely on light soil that respects soil microbiology, with rainwater harvesting and smart micro-irrigation based on temperature. It’s a more technical approach, designed to last and, most importantly, to work effectively.
À Bellecour, les Lyonnaises et les Lyonnais avaient voté pour de la végétalisation.
— Jean-Michel AULAS (@JM_Aulas) January 9, 2026
Ils ont eu une ombrière.
Ce projet vise à réparer un déni de démocratie et à montrer qu’on peut être plus efficace, plus sérieux et plus ambitieux, pour apporter aux Lyonnais ce qu’ils voulaient…
The controversial artwork won't disappear; it will simply change its scenery. Installed for five years, Urban Weaving will be moved to another site deemed more relevant. Jean-Michel Aulas emphasizes the importance of respecting artistic property rights and maintaining close dialogue with the artist to avoid another cultural controversy made in Lyon.
Bellecour reimagined for the people of Lyon… and Christmas
The project aims to be in harmony with major popular events. The area in front of the statue of Louis XIV will be renovated and extended with a large stone carpet, featuring new mineral seating. The stated goal: to allow for the future installation of a Christmas market in Place Bellecour, a long-standing desire of Lyon that all candidates now seem to support.