Hidden within the walls of Lyon’s Hôtel-Dieu lies the Cour du Midi. This isn’t just any courtyard. It’s a hidden gem a testament to Lyon’s rich history and architectural prowess.
The Cour du Midi is more than a pretty face. It’s the southernmost courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu. Its name is a nod to the Cours du Midi a beautiful Lyon promenade before it was sadly given over to car traffic around 1970. It became Cours de Verdun then.
This courtyard’s architecture is a masterpiece. A metal trellis supports a large glass roof. This beautifully showcases the Hôtel-Dieu’s original beige stone facades. The west facade and the Pascalon dome are particularly stunning. The glass roof beautifully links the covered and open-air levels. A subterranean level accessible by escalator adds another layer. It houses shops completely enclosed in glass. You can walk around the ground floor on a balcony-like structure. Light-colored stones from the Hôtel-Dieu cover three sides. The west side is bordered by the grey tones of a newer building. A third floor extends on three sides. A balustrade holds the south and east glass roofs. A wooden ramp dominates the north side on a half-floor level. This is where speeches and presentations often take place.
The Cour du Midi’s history is fascinating. Soufflot’s plan was completed in the 1840s. However the entire south facade was rebuilt in the 1880s. This included the dome built by HCL architect Pascalon in 1887. The school of medicine was located at the corner of the quai and Rue de la Barre from 1847 for about twenty years. After extensive renovations the Cour du Midi reopened to pedestrians on April 27 2018. Today it’s a vibrant hub of activity. It is the shopping center of the new Grand Hôtel-Dieu. You’ll find a variety of shops here including Sushishop Citadium Antony Morato and many others. In March 2024 four new shops opened showcasing 40 local designers. This expanded the Créations Lyonnaises a collection already featuring local artists. It is more than just a shopping destination. In December 2020 Audrey Appruzzese a local artist known as Dessin de ville exhibited her work here. Her striking blue ink drawings of Lyon’s monuments were on display.
The Cour du Midi is so much more than meets the eye. It is a testament to Lyon’s history. A symbol of its resilience and a vibrant space for the community to enjoy. It is a place where the past and present beautifully intertwine. It’s a place you won’t soon forget. Enjoy your time exploring this captivating space.