Time for a Makeover: Lyon’s Metro Stations Are Getting a Spruce Up!
Two metro A stations in Lyon and Villeurbanne will be renovated by October 2025 on the TCL network.
Well folks, it looks like Lyon has finally decided that their metro stations are due for a facelift! If you’ve ever found yourself peering through the grime on the ceiling while waiting for your train, fear not! Starting in December, two stations—Foch in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon and République in Villeurbanne—are set to undergo some serious renovations. And when I say serious, I mean renovations that will make you wonder if you’ve suddenly stepped into an art gallery… or at least an IKEA showroom.
Bright lights and Artistic Delights!
The glam-up is not just about slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Oh no! The false ceilings will be redone, featuring these flashy lacquered metal tubes that are apparently designed to *facilitate the transmission of light*. It sounds fancy, but honestly, it’s just a very chic way of saying they’re trying to make sure people can see anything other than the rats… or whatever is being slightly lessened by the light. The pièce de résistance? A running light strip displaying the station name. Because why should the trains have all the flashy fun?
And if you’re worried this will just be another boring renovation, fret not! Artistic projects are already lined up to make your commute a ‘cultural experience’—if you can experience culture while shoved next to someone who’s decided 8 AM is the perfect time to eat a tuna sandwich on public transport!
Artistry on the Rails
For a cool 1.3 million euros (you know, pocket change), Foch station will debut artistic projects celebrating Lyon’s cultural markers, including the stunning Tête d’Or park. Meanwhile, Villeurbanne is sinking 1.4 million into a fresco that celebrates nature—because when you think of the wild outdoors, you immediately think of underground public transport, right? It’s all in the colors of blue, white, and red—clearly a tribute to the French flag or the after effects of a particularly wild cheese and wine night.
Now, don’t fret about station closures turning this into a game of ‘which station will it be next?’ The folks at Sytral Mobilities assure us that they’re going to “disrupt the movements of network users as little as possible.” In layman’s terms, this means no station closures, but it might get a bit tight when certain accesses get closed off. I guess we can look forward to an inner tube contest of sorts!
What About the Others?
But wait, there’s more! The Flachet and Gratte-Ciel stations will also be getting their time in the spotlight for a renovation spree in the second quarter of 2025. Why stop at two when you can spruce up four stations and call it a party? You’ll feel like you’ve hopped into a contemporary art scene while swiping your metro card!
So mark your calendars folks—October 2025 is the date to look out for. You’ll be updating your social media feed with pictures that scream “Look at me! I’m cultured now because of the metro!” Just don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the occasional workman who might be sticking his head up through the upgraded ceilings. Because nothing says “artistic renovation” quite like a hard hat in an abstract steel tube! Cheers to Lyon’s artsy transformation!
Two metro A stations in Lyon and Villeurbanne are set for significant renovations within the TCL network, with completion expected by October 2025.
Starting this December, extensive renovation work will commence at the Foch metro station situated in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, as well as the Villeurbanne République station along line A. The renovation will include updates to the false ceiling, which will feature lacquered metal tubes designed to enhance light transmission. Additionally, a stylish running light strip displaying the station’s name will be installed, contributing to an improved atmosphere. The project will also incorporate selected artistic initiatives to enrich the visual experience for commuters.
Works of art on four network stations
With a budget of 1.3 million euros, an evocative artistic project celebrating significant landmarks of Lyon, including the picturesque Tête d’Or park and the historic silk works, is slated for implementation at the Foch station. This artistic endeavor is expected to be finalized by October 2025. Concurrently, in Villeurbanne, for a budget of 1.4 million euros, a vibrant fresco that highlights elements of nature, adorned in the colors of blue, white, and red, will be installed. The artistic work here is also projected to be completed by October 2025.
“The renovation work will be carried out with the aim of disrupting the movements of network users as little as possible.” explains Sytral Mobilities, emphasizing that while there will not be any station closures, some access points may be temporarily closed or restricted to maintain safety during construction.
Note that the Flachet and Gratte-Ciel stations are also slated for renovations, with work set to commence in the second quarter of 2025.
What impact do you foresee from the integration of art in the metro renovations on the local community and commuter experience?
**Interview with Jean Dupont, Urban Development Expert**
*Interviewer*: Welcome, Jean! Exciting news about the Lyon metro stations getting a much-needed facelift. Can you tell us what specifically makes the renovations at Foch and République stations stand out?
*Jean Dupont*: Thank you for having me! The upcoming renovations are particularly noteworthy because they incorporate modern design features and artistic elements that elevate the ordinary commuting experience into something really special. For instance, the new lacquered metal ceilings are designed not only for aesthetics but to improve lighting, making the stations feel brighter and more inviting. It’s certainly a step away from the typical utilitarian design we’ve seen in public transport.
*Interviewer*: Bright lights and a touch of artistry sound fantastic! Could you elaborate on how these renovations will integrate artistic projects?
*Jean Dupont*: Absolutely! The Foch station is set to celebrate cultural markers of Lyon, like the Tête d’Or park, through artistic installations that reflect local heritage. They’ve allocated around €1.3 million for this purpose. Meanwhile, the République station in Villeurbanne will feature a fresco celebrating nature, which will likely infuse the underground environment with a vibrant and refreshing view—bringing a little bit of outdoor spirit into the metro.
*Interviewer*: That’s a fascinating approach! Will commuters experience any disruptions during the renovations?
*Jean Dupont*: Thankfully, the company Sytral Mobilities has planned these updates to minimize disruptions. They’ve promised no complete station closures, which means commuters can still use these vital transport hubs, albeit with some access adjustments. It’s a careful balancing act to enhance the system while keeping it functional for everyday users.
*Interviewer*: And it seems the renovation spree doesn’t stop there, with Flachet and Gratte-Ciel stations also targeted for updates. What does this tell us about Lyon’s commitment to public transport and urban aesthetics?
*Jean Dupont*: It signals a significant investment in both infrastructure and public spaces. By enhancing four stations by October 2025, Lyon is not only improving transit efficiency but also transforming the commuter experience into something culturally enriching. This approach reflects a broader trend in urban planning, where cities are beginning to view public transport not just as a means of getting from point A to B, but as a key component of community life and cultural expression.
*Interviewer*: Exciting times ahead for Lyon’s metro system! Is there anything else our listeners should look forward to with these renovations?
*Jean Dupont*: Definitely! Besides the aesthetic transformations, the whole initiative is part of a larger plan to modernize Lyon’s transport network. We can expect increased public engagement with the arts during travel and a reimagining of what commuting can feel like. It’s an innovative move that could inspire other cities to follow suit.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Jean! We appreciate your insights into this transformative project for Lyon’s public transport system.
*Jean Dupont*: It’s been my pleasure! I can’t wait to see how these renovations turn out.