Quartier des États-Unis, Social housing district in 8th arrondissement, Lyon, France
The States Quarter is a social housing district in Lyon's 8th arrondissement containing 46 residential buildings designed by architect Tony Garnier between 1920 and 1935. The structures line Boulevard des États-Unis, stretching from Avenue Berthelot to Vénissieux.
Lyon faced a severe housing shortage after World War I, and architect Tony Garnier was commissioned to build an entire district. His project became a pioneering model for social housing design in the early 20th century.
The neighborhood takes its name to honor American soldiers and reflects hopes for international partnership after the war. Visitors sense this connection through street names and in buildings designed around ideals of community living.
The district connects easily to central Lyon and has regular markets serving the community. Walking through is straightforward, and there are exhibitions explaining the history and design of the housing project.
Since the 1980s, large-scale murals have covered building facades throughout the district, depicting scenes of working-class life and architectural heritage. These artworks have transformed the neighborhood into an open-air gallery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
