Protests in Lyon draw large crowds

From October 5 to 11, Lyon and its surrounding areas saw a series of events, including large demonstrations. On October 6, a protest involving high school students, university students, and unions gathered 20,000 people in Lyon, moving from Place Bellecour to Place Guichard. Clashes with law enforcement occurred when some groups wore hoods, and demonstrators called for more state resources to replace absent teachers, renovate buildings, and remove the Parcoursup application for university admissions.

Violence escalates in Bron

The protests continued in Bron on October 8, where pyrotechnic devices were found at the Edouard Herriot High School in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon. This led to four injuries. Fabrice Pannekoucke, president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, called the situation a "breakdown of violence" and said "dozens of complaints are filed every day" to identify those responsible. Damage from the week of protests in the region is estimated between 25 and 30 million euros.

Lyon plans urban swimming project

On October 7, the Lyon Metropolitan Area approved a plan for an urban swimming project at Confluence. Véronique Sarselli, head of the administration, described it as "a first step in our broader ambition to develop new swimming and cooling areas across the Metropolitan Area." Lyon's mayor, Grégory Doucet, hopes to open the swimming area as early as July 1, 2027, with measures in place to limit access to summer months, regulate time slots, and ensure security and monitoring for nearby residents.

Legal investigation into former priest

In legal news, Jean-Bernard Plessy, former director of the Chartreux, was placed under investigation for rape by a person abusing their position and placed under judicial supervision. In September, a young adult filed a complaint against Plessy, 63, for aggravated sexual assault and rape. The diocese acknowledged a "relationship" with "an adult student placed under his authority" and later clarified that they understood the young woman was "a victim of this priest." The Lyon prosecutor's office opened a criminal investigation after the diocese's report, and Plessy has denied the allegations through his lawyer.

Lumière Festival kicks off

The Lumière Festival opened on October 10 with Irène Jacob, president of the Lumière Institute, saying, "In these times of war, violence, obscurantism, and enormous suffering, let us remember this need to come together." The 18th edition of the festival will award the Coen brothers the Lumière Prize, following Michael Mann. Over 160 films will be shown in the Lyonnaise metropolitan area over a week, including retrospectives and film concerts.

Lyonais cyclist wins major race

In sports news, the Lyonnais Paul Seixas won the Tour of Lombardy at 20 years old on October 10. This victory marks his first "monument" win, avenging his 15th-place finish at the world championships. Seixas outpaced Remco Evenepoel and others, escaping 18 kilometers from the finish line. The win ends five years of dominance by Tadej Pogačar, who had to end his season after a fall during the Vuelta on August 29.