One less question mark. The relocation of the ice sports center to Lyon forced the organizing committee of the French Alps 2030 Games and local stakeholders to address the issue of athlete accommodation. Several options were on the table, both in Lyon and in the surrounding towns. The decision has been made and announced Monday evening: the village will be located in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, at the Saulaie site, south of the city.
"The highest standards of hospitality"
The analysis of the different possibilities was based on the following criteria: legal and operational soundness, timeline security, urban and landscape quality, territorial integration, and environmental ambitions. Three excellent projects were on the table. "according to the president of the region, Fabrice Pannekoucke, who praised the quality of the work carried out by the Lyon Metropolitan Area and the mayors of Décines, Bron and Oullins The Saulaie project has emerged as the best offer across all these criteria "According to the COJOP press release, the project includes the development of 20 hectares, the construction of 870 housing units, a school complex with 15 classrooms, a gymnasium, an aquatic center… Work has already begun, and the arrival of new residents, employees, and businesses is expected as early as 2027. The project will be fully completed in 2033, but athletes will be able to move in without any problems during the Games."
The choice of this option was unanimous at the COJOP General Assembly. This location will reconcile the organizational requirements of the event with the objectives of urban development, ecological transition, and the attractiveness of the metropolitan area. The Village de la Saulaie will guarantee all athletes the highest standards of hospitality and Paralympic athletes fully adapted accommodation and travel conditions, in line with the ambition of an inclusive legacy championed by the 2030 Alpine Games. "The site will be located approximately 5 kilometers from the Charlemagne ice rink, used for training, and the Halle Tony Garnier, one of the three competition venues," emphasizes the COJOP.
« Providing athletes with the best possible conditions for preparation, accommodation, and performance is central to the organizing committee's objectives. That's why we chose the project that best meets all our requirements. We are taking a decisive step in the organization of the Games, which is becoming more concrete every day. I warmly thank the executive board for its commitment, sense of responsibility, and trust. " commented President Edgar Grospiron. It remains to be determined where the ceremonies will take place.
