Inauguration of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon: CAA in Partnership with History

The GHD, an iconic feature of Lyon’s heritage

Steeped in history, the Grand Hôtel Dieu is dear to the hearts of Lyon residents. The renovation of this building complex began in 2015, marking another milestone for the city and consolidating its position as a must-see tourist destination.

Founded in the 18th century, the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon has always been associated with helping others, providing care and comfort for the sick and the destitute. One of the foremost medical centres in France between the 17th and 19th centuries, the building was requisitioned by the French army and used to care for soldiers wounded in the First World War.

The 21st century brought an end to the 800-year medical vocation of the site when its medical and hospital services were transferred to other locations.

In November 2011, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu became a listed historic monument (“Monument Historique”). During the same year, Eiffage Immobilier and Hospices Civils de Lyon signed a lease commitment in order to renovate the site, with work beginning in April 2015.

CAA, a key player in real estate investment in the Region

In June 2015, Credit Agricole Assurances, in partnership with the Crédit Agricole Centre-Est Regional Bank, acquired the entire project and the construction lease rights to create new buildings throughout the Grand Hôtel-Dieu property complex and renovate the existing buildings, on a site that would eventually cover nearly 52,000 m².

All of the stakeholders attended the inaugural press conference at the official opening of the GHD on Thursday 26 April. Here are some extracts.

“This investment perfectly illustrates our capacity to invest in the economy, in a sustainable and long-term manner. Crédit Agricole Assurances is one of the rare operators in France to possess both the expertise and the capacity to invest in mixed urban property complexes and has often excelled in its commitments to major projects: the Grand Hôtel-Dieu operation is the latest example.” Frédéric Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole Assurances

“For Crédit Agricole Assurances, this is an opportunity to underline our unique long-term investment strategy in such prestigious mixed urban projects, combining offices, luxury hotels, shops and housing. Ultra-modernity has come to the historic heart of Lyon. It will attract attention to the city from farther afield and become a favourite destination for all Lyon residents. The Grand Hôtel-Dieu is an exceptional heritage site in Lyon – a city of undisputed attractiveness.”
Jean-Jacques Duchamp Deputy Chief Executive of Crédit Agricole Assurances

“For the Crédit Agricole Centre-Est Regional Bank, investing in such an emblematic monument as the Grand Hôtel-Dieu reflects our attachment to the region and its economic development.” Raphaël Appert, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole Centre-Est

GHD: an open, dynamic and prestigious site

By launching a new range of premium and differentiated offerings, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu marks a turning point and is perfectly consistent with the trend toward sustainable consumption. Major retailers such as Citadium and AM PM will open in May 2018, joined by Les Halles du Goût at the end of 2018 and the 5-star Intercontinental Resort Hotel in the second quarter of 2019. The Grand Hôtel-Dieu’s presence will be further strengthened by the opening of the Convention Centre and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie at the end of 2019.