Petite place des Salins, Community square in 2nd arrondissement, Lyon, France

The Petite place des Salins is a public square in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement, laid out on the site of former salt warehouses. Its surface mixes synthetic grass areas with a central pergola, and seating platforms sit among the surrounding buildings. Several entry points open onto the neighbouring streets.

The Petite place des Salins lies in the 2nd arrondissement near the site of Lyon's former salt depot, from which the name derives. Salt was a state monopoly in the 18th century, and the warehouses here stored supplies for the city before the district was rebuilt with new housing and public spaces in the late 20th century.

The name refers to the salt warehouses linked to Lyon's salt trade, which gave the neighbourhood its identity. The square is now a meeting point in the 2nd arrondissement, used by residents and passers-by as a place to sit and cross between streets.

The square sits between Rue des Salins and Rue de la Martinière, a short walk from the Quais de Saône and the Hôtel de Ville metro stop. Entrances are level with the surrounding pavements, and the concrete galleries and metal staircases connect the different seating levels. The pergola and synthetic grass areas are exposed, so there is little shade at midday.

The square features unusual lighting elements designed to resemble oversized light bulbs, giving the space a playful character. These details combined with metal staircases and concrete galleries create a visual contrast to typical urban squares.