Lyon tourist office burns amid protest clashes

A tourist office on Lyon’s Place Bellecour caught fire on Saturday 17 October as clashes broke out on the fringes of a protest over the cost of living. RTL said flames were still coming from the building at about 3pm local time, while Lyon Capitale published a photograph of it burning. [1] [3]

Le Progrès reported that a fire was lit inside at around 2.30pm, after masked people had damaged the building. RTL described the fire as deliberate. The accounts do not identify who started it. [2] [1]

Thousands had gathered in the area. RTL described some protesters trying to chant peacefully, while masked groups threw projectiles and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas and dispersal grenades. The Rhône prefecture said firefighters were prevented from reaching the blaze, according to RTL. Lyon Capitale reported that crews gained access shortly after 3pm. [1] [3]

The building dates from 1852 and was originally a military pavilion, according to Le Progrès. Its full condition after the fire remains unclear. An ANP report carried by Nieuws.nl attributed a claim of looting to BFMTV; separately, a Le Progrès video page reported that a statue of chef Paul Bocuse had been damaged and moved from inside the office to the square. That account does not establish whether anything was stolen. [2] [5] [4]