Tourism office attacked and set on fire

A tourism office on Place Bellecour in Lyon was attacked and set on fire during a demonstration against high living costs on October 17. The building was stormed by a group of about ten people who climbed onto the roof and removed the sign’s letters before entering and breaking windows, starting a fire that damaged the structure.

Statue of chef Paul Bocuse damaged

A statue of renowned chef Paul Bocuse, located inside the office, was damaged during the incident and later found on the ground of Place Bellecour. The fire caused visible damage to the building, and the statue’s condition was reported to be compromised.

Large demonstration in Lyon’s streets

Thousands of people gathered in Lyon’s streets, including high school students, Yellow Vest protesters, and union members, converging on Place Bellecour and the quays of the Rhône. The demonstration escalated with the destruction of public property and confrontations with law enforcement, including the use of tear gas and a water cannon.

Emergency services face challenges

Firefighters struggled to reach the burning building due to blockages caused by hooded individuals and violent protesters, according to the Prefecture. Law enforcement used tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the crowd and clear the area, allowing emergency services to reach the fire shortly after 3 p.m.

Neighboring businesses also damaged

The damage extended beyond the tourism office, affecting several businesses in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, including Jot, Luxy Outlet, and a florist. The situation was described as unprecedented in Lyon, highlighting the scale of the unrest and its impact on the local area.