No more cars, no more pedestrians on the Lyon Peninsula
Since Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Lyon peninsula has been open to pedestrians with the entry into force of the limited traffic zone (ZTL), between Place Bellecour and the slopes of Croix-Rousse.
Lyon City Hall has kept its promise. It was one of its major ecological projects: to develop the Presqu'île into a limited traffic zone (ZTL) and thus make way for fresher air for pedestrians. This has been done since Saturday, June 21, 2025, with its entry into force throughout the area concerned, between Place Bellecour and the slopes of Croix-Rousse. From now on, only pedestrians, public transport, and those with rights can circulate within this perimeter .
This transformation, according to Bruno Bernard, president of the Lyon metropolitan area, is the result of an increase in traffic in Lyon city center, with a 30% increase on Saturdays at the three metro stations, Bellecour, Cordeliers, and Hotel de Ville, between 2019 and 2024. That's 29,500 more people. To support the city center's accessibility for users, a new bus service, with the opening of line C23 and bus 59, strengthens the TCL network.
Strolling through the new pedestrian area, Grégory Doucet, the city's mayor, hopes that the people of Lyon will quickly embrace the space. "The Presqu'île is a place designed for walking. We have a pleasant space and an incredible heritage that we must take advantage of," the mayor emphasizes.
But don't worry. For all Lyon residents who travel to the Presqu'île by car, access isn't completely closed. "The transformation is taking place gradually so that everyone can adapt," assures the mayor.
Five access points controlled by terminals will allow for a gradual transition. Motorists will have access to the 18 underground car parks on the Presqu'île and surrounding areas, representing 10,000 spaces, remaining secure.
Lyon Capitale
