What kind of English-speaking job can I find in Lyon?

If you come to work in Lyon, you will join a dynamic job market, characterised by its diversity and inclusivity, especially for English-speaking professionals, making it one of the best places to work in Europe.

Lyon's economic strength is underpinned by its strategic location at the crossroads of major European trade routes. It has become a magnet for sectors such as biotechnology, digital media, cleantech and many others. Lyon is home to many international companies, always on the lookout for English-speaking professionals with a global mindset. This means that the opportunities are numerous and varied, from scientific research and technological innovation to marketing and customer relationship management.

Here are some of the most promising sectors for English speakers in Lyon. This is not an exhaustive list and if you would like to find out more about Lyon’s main economic sectors, we encourage you to visit our business website.

Digital industry

Lyon is a hotbed of innovation in the digital industry. As part of FrenchTech, it is one of the most innovative cities in France. It is home to a dynamic ecosystem with a major competitiveness cluster, Minalogic, and 3 digital clusters: Digital League, I-Care and Cluster Lumière. Its dozens of incubators and accelerators foster innovation and support new startups.

Lyon also hosts many events, with various meet-up groups such as Lyon Tech Hub, La Cuisine du Web, Lyon is AI, Crypto Lyon, CARALyon, Lyon Data Science, etc.

To keep your skills up to date, you can count on Lyon's world-renowned digital schools, with programmes designed for working professionals: Epitech, INSA, Digital Campus, EPSI, Ecole 42, etc.

Sustainability is at the heart of Lyon’s digital industry. The metropolitan area invests its energy in developing and promoting sustainable practices in the sector (low consumption, green IT…) and social responsibility (such as digital inclusion).

As a European leader in this sector, Lyon offers many career opportunities for international professionals. In the digital industry, you can find a job as an IT project manager, UX designer, software developer, project manager…

Life sciences and health

As a researcher, you may be looking for a city that puts a strong emphasis on life sciences. Look no further, Lyon is one of Europe’s leading centres in the sector. From fundamental research to the pharmaceutical industry, you will find specialised laboratories in fields as diverse as:

• immunology and infectiology,
• oncology,
• neurosciences,
• cosmetic dermatology,
• nutrition and health,
• medical technologies,
• veterinary public health (with the world’s first hub in the field: Hub VPH).

Tourism and hospitality

Lyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. With its cultural heritage, its festivals and the nature around it, the city has many strengths that ensure its popularity in the long term. If you want to find a job as an English speaker in Lyon, tourism is promising.

It is one of its most important sectors and the city aims at becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination. To achieve this ambitious goal, Lyon set 4 goals to be achieved by 2026:

• Consolidating Lyon’s position as a resilient and balanced tourist destination
• Supporting employment in the tourism sector in the Lyon metropolitan area
• Accelerating the shift towards more environmentally friendly tourism
• Ensuring an inclusive, participatory and respectful tourism.

As an international worker in tourism and hospitality, you can find jobs in many sectors.

• You can start working in hotel management, either as an independent structure or for a chain.
• Customer service is also an interesting choice. With your knowledge of your native language, you will be at the forefront of helping tourists in reception or concierge positions.
• Since Lyon is famous for its food, it is also a great destination for young chefs who want to start their own restaurant in a dynamic global city.
• Lyon is also famous for business tourism, and as such, as an event planner, you may find opportunities in the sector.

Business services

Lyon is also famous for its business services sector, such as banking, fintech, e-commerce, engineering, consulting… The city hosts competitiveness and industry clusters that foster innovation and synergy, such as:

• Cluster Assurance AuRA, for insurance and insurtech
• HUB612 for banking and fintech
• INGERA 2, for engineering.

Business services companies are concentrated in the city's main districts, notably Part-Dieu, the second largest business district in France, with its iconic skyscrapers next to the main train station. Other districts are developing, such as Confluences, at the confluence of the Saône and Rhônes rivers. This former industrial wasteland has been redeveloped since the 2000s and is now home to modern buildings.

Many major international companies have chosen to work in Lyon, including Apicil, April, Alptis, Cegid, Deloitte, Esker and GL Events.

There are many job opportunities in this sector, which covers a wide range of professional profiles: financial analyst, insurance broker, civil engineer, management consultant, environmental consultant, digital marketing manager...

Working in Lyon as an English speaker can be an enriching experience that combines professional growth with cultural immersion. The city's global outlook and diverse job market make it welcoming to professionals from all over the world. While learning French is recommended for everyday life, many companies operate in English, making the transition easier for newcomers.

You may be wondering how to overcome the language barrier, but don't worry. Lyon's vibrant international community has developed networks and English-speaking groups to help newcomers integrate both professionally and socially. You may also find communities that speak your native language other than English.

Navigating the job market in Lyon as an English speaker can be facilitated by leveraging online platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed and all French online job boards. The city’s extensive support network and diverse job opportunities make it one of the best places to work in France.

Are you interested in working in Lyon? As one of the best cities to live in France, it is the perfect place to start an international career. Do you need more information? Our teams are there to help you. Contact us and we will help you prepare for your new life!