In the Lyon region, the recent proliferation of third places testifies to the relevance of these public spaces of citizens’ initiative, bringing together various activities in the same site. More and more often supported by communities and the State, third places make it possible to revitalize territories in need of social life or public services. “In the middle of a city, the third place offers renewed links between the inhabitants. It’s a very interesting formula that feeds on citizen energy. The local authorities are there to support them and open up the possibilities.”enthuses Cédric Van Styvendael, mayor (Socialist Party) of Villeurbanne (metropolis of Lyon).
The working-class town with a rich industrial past recently created L’Archipel, a third place for food, which aims to improve access to and distribution of food. Located in the corner of a car park, near the Cours Emile-Zola, L’Archipel is made up of two modular buildings with warmly furnished interiors. Originally intended for precarious populations, in order to allow the distribution of meals, the third place remains open to local residents and passing visitors, to have a drink, make or share a meal prepared in the kitchen. All while promoting access to food and rights for poor families of all origins.
“The fruit of collaborative work”
Completed at the end of 2022, the project cost 1.2 million euros, half financed by the city and half by the State, through the France Relance program. The whole is run by Le Mas and the Restos du Coeur, two associations that have been established for a long time in Villeurbanne. The initial commitment of citizens is a key to the success of third places. “The third place is made up of a community of committed actors. Originally, it was the citizens who expressed a need. Communities must play a facilitating role. The third place is the fruit of a collaborative work, of a real cooperation, with a stake of mediation so that it succeeds », says Yolaine Proult, general manager of France Tiers-Lieux, the association created in 2019 to federate these new citizen spaces, and defend their model with the public authorities.
Third places are booming, growing by 20% per year, according to the latest study by France Tiers-Lieux, which will be published in September. According to its report, the national association counted 3,500 third places in France in 2023, compared to 1,800 in 2018. Third places are divided into three types of activities: manufacturing, shared workspace and cultural entertainment. Feeding places tend to increase. Dedicated to agricultural production or the relocation of farms, they represent approximately 10% of third places. More than 60% of places are created outside metropolitan areas.
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