In its early days, Lyon's central market hall occupied the Place des Cordeliers, stretching between Rue Buisson (renamed Rue Antoine-Sallès in 1962) and Rue Claudia. At the initiative of Prefect Vaïsse, the Compagnie de la Rue Impériale was commissioned to build this large covered market. The architect Tony Desjardins He was responsible for the design of the metal structure, while work began in the spring of 1858 under the supervision of the engineer Martin. The inauguration took place on March 1, 1859. Over time, the market evolved into a true market hall when the merchants obtained permission to leave their stalls and scales permanently.
The Halle is moving to Part-Dieu
However, over the years, the market hall became too small and outdated. Hygiene standards for food storage were no longer being met, and parking was also a problem. In the late 1960s, the mayor at the time, Louis Pradel, considered building a new market hall in the Part-Dieu district to replace the one at Cordeliers. The old hall was demolished in January 1971, while the new one was inaugurated in February of the same year. In 2005-2006, the building underwent a major renovation, including the addition of a large transparent glass facade overlooking the Cour Lafayette.
Halle in figures
In its edition of June 28, 1858 (source BML), “Le Salut Public” offers a detailed description of the market hall still under construction at the Cordeliers:
- The covered market “will occupy an area of approximately 3,500 square meters.
- It will have spacious cellars, deemed necessary to preserve foodstuffs sensitive to spoilage due to exposure to open air or high temperatures.
- The market will be framed along its length by two parallel streets, each with a width of 8 meters. These streets will open to the north onto Rue Gentil and to the south onto Place des Cordeliers.
- The structure will resemble a huge greenhouse, divided into three naves supported by cast iron columns, with vaults formed by glass frames.
- The side aisles will measure 6 meters high, while the middle one will reach 11 meters 50 centimeters, rising up to 16 meters under the central lantern.
- A stone base will outline the market, which will have five openings on each of the side streets mentioned.
Archive photos
Vintage Videos
Watch this video (1968) of Christmas preparations at the Cordeliers market halls.
And this moving video of the traders who testify before the transfer at the end of 1970.
