Facing mass tourism, an association wants to bring the people of Lyon back to Old Lyon

undefined undefined 25 juillet 2025 undefined 19h00

The Editor

Too touristy, too crowded, not authentic enough? Vieux-Lyon, the historical jewel of the city, struggles to charm its own residents. Tired of clichés and the all-tourism vibe, the shopkeepers want to reignite the spark between the people of Lyon and their neighborhood.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, Vieux-Lyon has become the favorite playground for passing tourists. Strolls through the traboules, endless bouchons, and plenty of souvenirs... It's a beautifully crafted postcard that has, unfortunately, driven locals away. Too many tourist traps, not enough neighborhood life: the verdict is clear. But behind those "I Love Lyon" magnets, another dynamic is at work.

Since the end of Covid, 80 merchants grouped together in the association So Vieux-Lyon have been working to restore the neighborhood's reputation. At the helm, Carine Chollat, an engaged president and manager of La Tribu des Gones, aims to remind the people of Lyon that Vieux-Lyon is more than just a postcard picture: it’s a hub for creators, artisans, quality restaurants, and bars waiting to be discovered. In short, it’s a vibrant place to be!

Bringing the People of Lyon Back to Vieux-Lyon

To break the image of being "too touristy to be real", a guide of good addresses will be distributed starting in November, featuring labeled bouchons, creative tables, and hidden gems. The goal: to venture beyond the ever-busy Rue Saint-Jean and explore Saint-Georges, Saint-Paul, and those little-known alleys!

they only ask to vibrate again.

This return to the roots feels like a nod to the neighborhood's history: once threatened with destruction in the 1950s, Vieux-Lyon owes its revival to its residents. Today, as local businesses decline and schools empty, the merchants...cedil;ants want to turn the tide. Because while tourists make the shop windows sparkle, it’s the locals who truly bring the neighborhood to life.

Source: Le Figaro