“Who would have thought a fort could become a police station?” I muse. We are standing before the Hôtel de Police Lyon – Fort Montluc. It is a unique building with a fascinating history.
The Hôtel de Police Lyon – Fort Montluc started its life as Fort Montluc. It was built between 1831 and 1835. The fort was part of Lyon’s first ring of fortifications. These fortifications were designed to protect the city.
Blaise de Montluc was a Marshal of France. The fort was named in his honor. Fort Montluc had a trapezoidal shape. Its design included two bastions facing outward. These features helped protect the Guillotière suburb.
The fort was surrounded by water. A wooden bridge provided access. Inside, a two-story structure could house 600 soldiers. Fort Montluc later served as a garrison for Lyon.
By the late 19th century, the fort’s open areas were occupied. The military used them for regional logistics. Today, a garden square replaces those areas.
In 1949, a security company was moved to Fort Montluc. After reforms, it became CRS No. 45. This unit stayed until it moved to Chassieu.
The Ministry of the Interior owned the fort from 1969. Since 2007, it has been the second police station for Lyon. So the Hôtel de Police Lyon – Fort Montluc, as we see it today, has been performing this duty since then.
The exterior maintains its historic look even with modern use. The Hôtel de Police Lyon – Fort Montluc still shows its original fortification.
The fort’s design included a main area shaped like a trapeze. It had a small base with two large bastions facing east. The larger base faced the city. This design had bastions at the corners. A defensive structure protected the entrance.
A two-story barracks could house up to 600 men. This barracks enclosed the central part of the fort. Another guardhouse protected the barracks entrance. The fort could hold 67 artillery pieces.
By the 1870s, the fort’s design became outdated. Newer fortifications were built. The outer walls of Fort Montluc were torn down. The ditches were filled. Only the central part and outer guardhouse remained.
In 1887, it was officially named Fort Montluc. At that time, it housed 330 men. The open space was used for drills. The clothing and regional supply depot were set up on the grounds. It also housed the 14th Section of Military Clerks. The military court was also located here.
In 1921, a military prison was built south of the fort. This prison replaced the one on Rue Sala. From 1942 to 1944, it held over 7,000 prisoners during the Occupation. 2,500 were deported. Over 600 were executed. After Lyon’s liberation, it held collaborators. Later, it housed various prisoners. From 1997 to 2009, it was a women’s prison. It is now a memorial site.
In the 2000s, the fort was transformed into a police station. New buildings were added inside. However, the exterior of the Hôtel de Police Lyon – Fort Montluc was preserved and renovated.
Today, the Hôtel de Police Lyon – Fort Montluc stands as a testament to Lyon’s history. It has seen many changes. From a fort to a police station, its story continues.