For all of its charms, Lyon can be tricky to navigate as a new expat. This article is a guide to expat life in Lyon, including accommodation, work visas, study opportunities, and much more.
9 min read
Do you want to settle in France? Lyon is a destination of choice for expatriates from all over the world! An economic, academic and cultural hub, Lyon has an enriching adventure in store for you. Ideally located near the Alps, the south of France, Switzerland and Italy, the capital of Gaul is a city ideal for discoveries and numerous weekend activities. Living in Lyon also means taking advantage of the quality French health system and the many schools and universities present in the region.
In this article, discover our complete guide to expat life in Lyon: housing, work, studies, cost of living, culture, it's all there!
Moving to France?
We’ve put together practical info to help you settle into your new home country.
Lyon is one of the French cities where life is good, and it attracts many students, professionals and expatriates. Its cultural wealth, and economic dynamism create fertile ground for enriching intercultural connections and a successful expatriation experience. Groups and associations facilitate integration by offering events, meetings and resources to share advice and experiences. Whether through cultural events or professional meetings, the expatriate community in Lyon offers a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.
Lyon is a city particularly popular with expatriates from all over the world for:
Its quality of life: the city offers a perfect balance between dynamic urban life and green spaces, with parks, rivers and mountains nearby.
Its gastronomy: capital of French gastronomy, the city offers a variety of restaurants, food markets and popular culinary events.
Its cultural life: in addition to its museums, festivals, theaters and artistic events, the city has a rich history and a diverse cultural heritage.
Its professional opportunities: Lyon is a dynamic economic center, particularly in the technology, health, research and development sectors.
Its transport network: the city has a well-developed public transport network, facilitating travel within the city and to other regions.
Finding accommodation in Lyon
The rental market in Lyon is very competitive, which can be a challenge for expats trying to get a foot in the (literal) door. To increase your chances of finding your dream apartment, be methodical and organised — and patient.
Relocating to Lyon
Your first and most important task is to define your apartment search criteria, including your preferred “arrondissements” (districts), budget, and public transport connections. Online platforms like Le Bon Coin, SeLoger, and Pap.fr have a variety of real estate listings, while social media and expat forums are another useful source of advice and insider recommendations. You can also contact real estate agencies, though this tends to be more expensive. Don't be afraid to ask your expat colleagues and other local residents for help, too — they often have invaluable advice or connections.
You’ll also need to carefully prepare all the essential documents, such as proof of income and supporting guarantors. As much as possible, stay calm and patient while you search. It’ll make the process easier in the long run.
Popular districts for expats in Lyon
Each neighborhood has its own charm and benefits. It is therefore essential to consider your housing and lifestyle needs and preferences. Among the neighborhoods popular with expatriates, we find:
The 6th arrondissement and the Brotteaux district: this popular residential area is renowned for its elegant streets, luxury shops and parks.
The Presqu'île: downtown Lyon offers lively urban life with numerous shops, restaurants and cultural activities.
La Croix-Rousse: Known for its bohemian vibe, this artistic district filled with markets and cafes offers panoramic views of the city.
Old Lyon: Lyon's historic district with its cobbled streets and traboules (secret passages) has a charming medieval atmosphere.
Vaise and the 9th arrondissement: located on the banks of the Saône, Vaise is a developing district with modern real estate projects and green spaces.
Many suburbs close to Lyon are also very popular with the expatriate community such as: Villeurbanne, Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, Écully, Dardilly, Caluire-et-Cuire or Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.
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The job market in Lyon
The job market in Lyon offers interesting opportunities, particularly in key sectors such as chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, IT, the automotive industry, gastronomy and health. Opportunities can be abundant in these fields depending on your skills. However, competition in the Lyon job market is strong and you will need to adopt a methodical approach to land a work contract.
Find a job in Rhône-Alpes
To put all the chances on your side to find a job in Lyon, you can follow the following steps:
Prepare your CV: adapt your CV to French standards and make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience;
Search for online opportunities: explore online job platforms such as LinkedIn, Monster, or international job sites;
Use social media: join online professional groups and attend networking events to connect with industry professionals;
Use recruitment agencies: some specialize in jobs for expats, which can be a valuable resource;
Learn French: even if some companies in Lyon use English, mastering French will open more doors for you.
Work visas for France
If you aren’t a European Union citizen, you’ll need a visa to live and work in France as an expat. The precise work visa you need depends on your nationality, your particular type of employment, and how long you plan to stay. Typically, though, you’ll fall into the broad category of “long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit” (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour in French, or VLS-TS).Here are a few of the common visas available for working in France: • Employee visa: Intended for foreign workers who aren’t European Union nationals, this visa is generally issued for a fixed period and is linked to your employment contract. This visa has a longer validity period (one year or more). • Temporary worker visa: There are different short-term visas designed to allow certain workers to live in France for up to 12 months. • Talent passport: There’s a wide range of professional categories that fall under this 12-month visa, including business investors, performing artists, and highly skilled workers.Note that there are also specific visa options for students and academic researchers. Before starting any application procedure, visit the official website for the French consulate in your home country first. They’ll have the most accurate information about the kinds of visas that are currently available and the right application process.
The cost of living in Lyon
Although Lyon remains one of the most expensive cities in France, life there is still much more affordable than in the capital!
Rents can represent a significant budget, especially in central districts, but less expensive options exist on the outskirts, moving away from the center. Public transport, although well developed, can represent a significant part of the budget. Food spending depends on purchasing habits, but some restaurants and cafes in Lyon remain relatively affordable rents can represent a significant budget, especially in central districts, but less expensive options exist on the outskirts, moving away from the center. Public transport, although well developed, can represent a significant part of the budget. Food spending depends on purchasing habits, but some restaurants and cafes in Lyon remain relatively affordable.
The healthcare system in Lyon
France is known for its universal healthcare system. In Lyon, the healthcare system is well developed and offers access to quality care. As an expatriate, you can benefit from basic health coverage provided by Health Insurance. However, it is recommended to take out additional (mutual) insurance to cover unreimbursed costs. You can choose from a range of additional insurance to suit your specific needs.
The education system in Lyon
The French education system has several options open to expats with school-age children, all the way up to university level.
Sending your kids to school in Lyon
If you have kids, there are international schools offering educational programs in English or other languages. These schools generally follow an international curriculum model such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) or the UK curriculum, which might make life a little easier for children as they integrate into a new educational environment.
The French education system also offers public and private school education from kindergarten to university. French public schools are free, but they teach in French, which can be a challenge for kids from non-French-speaking families. Alternatively, you could explore bilingual private schools that offer teaching in several languages while still following the French educational program.
Universities in Lyon
At the university level, France is home to renowned academic institutions with a whole range of post-secondary programs. As long as foreign students meet the admission requirements — including French-language proficiency, in some cases — they can access these programs.
Getting around in Lyon
In the capital of Gaul, you have the choice between several transport solutions:
Public transport: Lyon has a well-developed network of metros, trams, buses and funiculars. The TCL monthly subscription allows unlimited access to these means of transport.
Cycling: Lyon encourages the use of bicycles with its self-service bicycle rental service called Vélo'v. There are also many cycle paths in the city.
The car: practical for traveling outside the city, the car can prove to be a complicated solution on a daily basis between heavy traffic and expensive and limited parking.
Walking: Lyon lends itself well to walking with its pedestrian streets, its parks and the quays of the Saône and Rhône ideal for walks.
Taxis and VTC (Vehicule de Tourisme, or passenger vehicle) solutions, such as Uber, are also available to get around in Lyon.
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Frequently asked questions about expats in Lyon
Lyon is an excellent destination for expats seeking an alternative to Paris. Known for its quality of life and rich cultural heritage, the city also offers a thriving professional environment, particularly in the sectors of biotechnology, chemistry, and digital technology. Lyon combines the advantages of a large city while remaining calmer and more affordable than Paris.
In Lyon, expats often prefer neighborhoods like the Presqu’île, which is in the heart of the city and offers easy access to shops and entertainment, or the 6th arrondissement, which is more residential and appreciated for its chic setting. The Confluence area, on the other hand, attracts expats who enjoy modern and innovative spaces.
Although learning French is recommended to better integrate into local life, it is possible to live in Lyon without speaking the language, especially if you work in international environments or are a student at a major school. However, for everyday life, knowing a minimum of French is an advantage.
France is quite welcoming to expats. Major French cities are very international, with a notable cultural diversity, and there are many initiatives to help new arrivals adapt.
Yes, you can live and work in France without a European passport, but you will need to obtain a work visa or an appropriate residence permit. The procedures vary depending on your country of origin and the type of employment you have.
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