Welcome to Lyon

We provide essential information for newcomers to France from around the globe to ease their transition.

brown concrete building near river during daytime

Lyon is a historic and gastronomic gem in east-central France, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. As the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it is renowned for its UNESCO-listed old town, Renaissance architecture, and vibrant cultural life.

The Vieux Lyon district charms with cobbled streets, secret passageways called traboules, and lively cafés, while the Presqu’île offers elegant squares and shopping streets. Lyon is also celebrated as the culinary capital of France, home to traditional bouchons serving specialties like quenelles, coq au vin, and praline tarts.

Beyond food, the city boasts a thriving arts scene, from the Festival of Lights to world-class museums and theaters. With its mix of history, innovation, and warm atmosphere, Lyon offers an irresistible blend of tradition and modern urban energy.

Places to visit

Transport

Food and restaurants

Accommodation and stay

Emergency services: Medical and others

City administration

Lyon is the capital (Préfecture) of the Rhône department (69) and the administrative center of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. It is France’s third-largest city and a major hub for business, education, and culture.

Lyon is also part of the Métropole de Lyon, a unique intercommunal entity with extended powers equivalent to a department. This structure oversees urban planning, transport, housing, and economic development across 59 communes, including Lyon itself.

A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, akin to a municipality or town.

1. Mairie (Town Hall / City Hall)

Lyon is subdivided into 9 arrondissements, each with a Mairie d’arrondissement.
The city is governed by the Mayor of Lyon (Maire de Lyon) and the Lyon City Council.
Responsibilities: civil registration (births, deaths, marriages), local permits, public services (waste, water), local schools, childcare, and community events.
🔗 To find your arrondissement’s Mairie, click here.

2. Police Municipale

Handles local order, traffic regulations, and enforcement of municipal rules.
Works in coordination with the Police Nationale, which manages serious crime, identity verification, and immigration control.

3. Other Local Services

Local libraries, sport facilities, cultural centers.
Social services and aid, local urban planning, environmental management.

Administrative Structure of Lyon & Rhône

Préfecture & Subprefectures

Préfecture du Rhône: Located in Lyon, coordinates national policies locally.
Subprefectures: Located in Villefranche-sur-Saône and Lyon-Métropole.

Judicial & Taxation Offices

Tribunal judiciaire de Lyon: Main civil and criminal court.
Tribunaux de proximité and commercial courts also operate in the area.
Tax Offices (SIP, SIE, CDIF): Located across Lyon and surrounding communes for individual, business, and property taxation.

Métropole de Lyon

A special status intercommunal authority with both municipal and departmental powers.
Governs 59 communes, including Lyon, Villeurbanne, Vénissieux, Bron, Caluire-et-Cuire, and others.
Responsible for urban planning, transportation (in coordination with TCL), housing, environment, and social policy.

Lyon Arrondissements

Lyon is divided into 9 arrondissements, each with a local council and deputy mayor.
Each has a distinct neighborhood identity (e.g., 1st: Croix-Rousse, 2nd: Presqu’île, 3rd: Part-Dieu).

🚋🚌🚇 Public Transport in Lyon & Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – TCL & Regional Connections

Getting around Lyon and its metropolitan area is smooth and efficient thanks to an integrated public transport system managed by TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais), with regional connections by SNCF and Cars Région.

🌐 TCL Network

TCL covers Lyon and 72 surrounding communes within the Lyon Métropole area.

🚉 Services Operated by TCL:

🚇 Metro – 4 lines (A, B, C, D) covering the city center and major districts.
🚋 Trams – 7 lines (T1 to T7) linking key neighborhoods, suburbs, universities, and business areas.
🚌 Buses & Trolleybuses – 140+ routes, including express lines and night buses.
🚡 Funiculars – 2 lines connecting Vieux Lyon to Fourvière Hill and Saint-Just.
🚲 Vélo’v – Self-service bicycles with stations across Lyon and Villeurbanne.
🚕 Optibus – Paratransit service for people with reduced mobility.

A train traveling down a street next to tall buildings

💳 Ticketing & Pass Options

🎫 Single Tickets & Carnets – Valid on metro, tram, bus, and funicular within 1 hour of validation.
🎓 Student & Youth Passes – Reduced rates for students under 28.
👩‍💼 TCL Monthly/Annual Pass – Unlimited travel (50% employer reimbursement possible).
👶 Free for children under 4, reduced fares for ages 4–10.

Tickets can be bought from vending machines at metro/tram stops, TCL agencies, partner shops, or via TCL E-Ticket App and TCL Website for mobile ticketing and trip planning.

🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Lyon

🚆 TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Trains – Connect Lyon to Saint-Étienne, Grenoble, Chambéry, Annecy, Valence, and Geneva (Switzerland).
🚌 Cars Région – Regional coach network linking smaller towns and rural areas in the region.

💡 Tip: Combine TCL + TER Passes
If you live in Lyon but commute to nearby cities like Saint-Étienne or Bourg-en-Bresse, you can combine a TCL subscription with TER discounts for significant savings.

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📍 Places to Visit in Lyon

(we are using Place Bellecour in Presqu’île as the “center” reference point.)

🏛 Historic & Iconic

1. Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

About: Renaissance district with narrow cobblestone streets, traboules (hidden passageways), and colorful façades.
From Centre: ~1 km west.
How to Reach: Walk or Metro D (Vieux Lyon–Cathédrale St-Jean).

2. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

About: White hilltop basilica with mosaics and panoramic city views.
From Centre: ~1.5 km west uphill.
How to Reach: Funicular from Vieux Lyon (F1 or F2).

3. Place des Terreaux & Hôtel de Ville

About: Central square with Bartholdi Fountain, Lyon City Hall, and Museum of Fine Arts.
From Centre: ~1 km north.
How to Reach: Metro A or C (Hôtel de Ville–Louis Pradel).

4. Parc de la Tête d’Or

About: Huge park with lake, botanical gardens, and free zoo.
From Centre: ~2 km north.
How to Reach: Metro A (Masséna) or Bus C1/C4.

🎨 Art & Culture

5. Musée des Confluences

About: Futuristic museum at the confluence of Rhône and Saône rivers.
From Centre: ~4 km south.
How to Reach: Tram T1 (Musée des Confluences).

6. Croix-Rousse District

About: Historic silk-weavers’ neighborhood with murals and bohemian vibe.
From Centre: ~2 km north.
How to Reach: Metro C (Croix-Rousse).

🍷 Food & Markets

7. Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

About: Covered gourmet market named after the legendary chef, offering cheese, charcuterie, and pastries.
From Centre: ~1.5 km northeast.
How to Reach: Metro B (Place Guichard–Bourse du Travail).

8. Saône River Banks

About: Scenic walking and cycling path with cafés and cultural spots.
From Centre: 0–2 km along the river.
How to Reach: Walk or cycle.

🚆 Day Trips & Nearby Places from Lyon

🏰 Towns & Villages

1. Pérouges

About: Perfectly preserved medieval village, cobbled streets, famous for galette.
Distance: ~40 km northeast.
How to Reach: Train from Lyon Part-Dieu to Meximieux–Pérouges (~30 min) + short walk.

2. Vienne

About: Roman ruins, temple, and riverside charm.
Distance: ~30 km south.
How to Reach: Train from Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache (~20 min).

3. Oingt (Beaujolais)

About: Golden-stone village in wine country.
Distance: ~40 km northwest.
How to Reach: Car recommended (~45 min).

🍇 Wine Regions

4. Beaujolais Wine Route

About: Rolling hills, vineyards, and wine-tasting cellars.
Distance: Starts ~30 km north.
How to Reach: Car or guided wine tour.

5. Côtes du Rhône Vineyards

About: Famous for reds and rosés, stretching south toward Valence.
Distance: Starts ~50 km south.
How to Reach: Train + local tours.

🌄 Nature & Scenic Areas

6. Parc Naturel du Pilat

About: Hiking, cycling, and panoramic viewpoints.
Distance: ~60 km southwest.
How to Reach: Car (~1h) or bus/train combo to nearby towns.

7. Lac des Sapins

About: Large leisure lake with Europe’s biggest biological swimming pool.
Distance: ~70 km northwest.
How to Reach: Car (~1h 15m).

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Accommodation in Lyon offers a diverse mix, from luxury riverside hotels to cozy budget stays, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Luxury hotels are often found in the Presqu’île area and near Bellecour Square, offering elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and easy access to Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Boutique hotels in Vieux Lyon combine Renaissance architecture with modern comforts, immersing guests in the city’s historic charm.

For mid-range budgets, well-known hotel chains, guesthouses, and B&Bs are plentiful, especially around Part-Dieu (the main train station), making them convenient for transport connections. Hostels and budget hotels in neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse or Guillotière are popular with younger travelers and backpackers.

Aparthotels and furnished rentals are ideal for families or long-term stays, often located in quieter residential districts while remaining close to tram or metro lines.

Wherever you choose to stay, Lyon’s excellent public transport network—metro, trams, buses, and funiculars—ensures quick access to major attractions such as Fourvière Hill, the traboules (hidden passageways), and the famous bouchon restaurants.

🍽 A Taste of Lyon: Food & Restaurants

Known as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon offers an irresistible mix of traditional French cooking, innovative cuisine, and diverse international flavors. From rustic bouchons to vegan cafés and global restaurants, Lyon’s food scene is a feast for all tastes.

🌍 International Flavors
Lyon’s cosmopolitan vibe means you’ll find everything from aromatic Indian curries and dosas to Japanese sushi bars, Chinese noodle houses, and Thai street food spots. Turkish restaurants serve hearty kebabs, lahmacun, and mezze, while Afghani eateries offer mantu, spiced rice dishes, and grilled meats. Arabic cuisine tempts with shawarma, falafel, and mezze platters, while African restaurants bring bold flavors like Moroccan tagines, Senegalese yassa, and Ivorian attiéké.

⭐ Fine Dining
The city is home to legendary names like Paul Bocuse and Michelin-starred spots such as La Mère Brazier, Le Neuvième Art, and Takao Takano. Expect artistry on the plate, seasonal produce, and flawless wine pairings.

🍷 Bistronomy & Creative Cuisine
Talented young chefs are redefining Lyonnaise dining at places like Culina Hortus, Le Kitchen Café, and Les Apothicaires—offering inventive, locally inspired dishes in relaxed settings.

💰 Budget-Friendly Gems
For an authentic and affordable experience, visit the city’s famous bouchons lyonnais such as Café des Fédérations or Le Musée, where you can enjoy quenelles, andouillette, and hearty stews.

🥩 Local Classics
Lyon is famous for its sausages, charcuterie platters, quenelles de brochet, and praline tarts, often enjoyed with a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine.

🥬 Vegan & Vegetarian
The plant-based scene is growing fast, with highlights like:

Culina Hortus – Michelin-starred, 100% vegetarian fine dining.
Against the Grain – Vegan café with creative bowls and sandwiches.
Yaafa – Falafel wraps and vegan mezze.
Toutes Les Couleurs – Cozy vegan and gluten-free restaurant.

🛍 Eat & Explore
Lyon’s Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse is a must-visit for artisan cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, chocolates, and fresh oysters. The city’s outdoor markets, like Marché de la Croix-Rousse, are perfect for discovering local specialties and seasonal produce.