How to live as an expat in Lyon?

To really enjoy your experience as an expat in Lyon, it’s important to understand and embrace both the French way of life and Lyon’s unique identity.

The French take pride in their culture and understanding local customs will help you integrate smoothly. One notable cultural trait that you will notice very quickly is the seriousness with which food is taken. Meals are seen as a time for enjoyment and socialising and can be very long on special occasions and weekends. The French also value work-life balance, so you can expect a more relaxed approach outside working hours.

Lyon’s identity has been shaped by its rich history, dating back to Roman times. The city is divided into arrondissements that all have their identity and character. The old town (Vieux Lyon), with its narrow cobbled streets and Renaissance architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a hotbed for gastronomy! Food in Lyon is spearheaded by its traditional restaurants (called “bouchons”) and its high quality markets.

As for language, while many locals speak English, learning French will significantly enhance your experience. Even a basic level will help you navigate daily life more easily and show respect for the local culture. There are many universities and private associations where you can take classes. Some students even come to Lyon to learn French in France.

Finding accommodation

Lyon has a wide variety of districts, each with its own charm, giving you plenty of choice to decide where to live.

In the city centre, for example, you will find the Presqu’Île, a peninsula between the Saône and Rhône rivers. It’s a lively place with many restaurants, shops and cafés, and a characteristic modernist district at the tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find the Confluences museum and its deconstructivist architecture. Part-Dieu is the business district, with tall office buildings.

If you don’t want to live in the city, you can choose to live outside in one of the many charming towns nearby. You can also live in the large towns on the outskirts of Lyon (Villeurbanne, Écully…) for a lower rent and still be close to the centre.

Navigating public transport

Lyon’s public transport system is managed by TCL. It extends well beyond the city limits and offers a network of metro, funicular, bus and tram services. There’s also a bike-sharing system, Vélo’V, which promotes green solutions.

This transport network is so well developed that you won’t even need to use your car most of the time.

Essential services

Setting up essential services is a key step in settling in:

• For electricity, the main providers are EDF and Engie.
• For Internet and mobile phone services, many providers exist, such as Orange, SFR and Free.
• Opening a bank account with a French bank will also make financial transactions easier, especially when dealing with rent and bills.

Healthcare is very cheap in France and most medical consultations are reimbursed by the Sécurité Sociale. To take full advantage of this, one of the most important steps is to register with a local doctor, who will become your “médecin traitant”, your point of contact in the health system. For example, to be reimbursed after seeing a specialist, you must be referred by your médecin traitant.

Building a social life in Lyon is essential to feeling connected and at home in your new environment. There are many ways to meet people and get involved in the local community.

The easiest step is to join an expat community. They organise regular events where you can meet fellow expats and locals. If you want to progress faster in your career, you can also take part in networking events. Lyon is a great place for socialising, with plenty of options for eating, drinking and entertainment. Areas such as Vieux Lyon or Presqu’Île are full of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, from cosy wine bars to lively nightclubs.

To deepen your connection with the city, immerse yourself in Lyon’s rich cultural life. With its many festivals, such as the Fête des Lumières in December or the Nuits Sonores music festival in May, it’s a great way to experience Lyon and meet new people.

By actively participating in Lyon’s social and cultural life, you’ll quickly establish connections and feel at home in this dynamic city.

Lyon is a thriving hub for industries such as cleantech, gastronomy, tourism, logistics, culture, life sciences… offering a wide range of job opportunities. The city has one of the strongest economies in the country, and understanding this environment will help you adapt and find the job that’s made for you.

Find out more: Why should you work in Lyon?

One of Lyon’s many advantages is its strategic location in the heart of an exciting region, with plenty of outdoor activities and charming small towns to visit. For your weekend getaways, you have plenty to choose from!

Lyon is surrounded by stunning destinations that are easily accessible for short trips. To the north of Lyon, for example, lies the Beaujolais wine region, with its picturesque landscapes, typical vineyards and charming villages. A visit to Pérouges, for example, a beautiful medieval town just a short drive away, is like stepping back in time. The nearby Alps, with their snow-capped peaks and slopes, are perfect for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. In summer you can explore these majestic mountains on foot or by bike. If you want to go further afield, discover Lake Annecy, one of the largest in France, nestled in the mountains and a hotspot for water sports.

Living as an expat in Lyon is a great way to start a new life abroad! This dynamic city welcomes people from all over the world. Need help settling in? Do you have a project you would like to discuss? ONLYLYON is here to help. Contact us and we’ll help you prepare for your move!