Lyon

🔥Hotspots

🥖Food

Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy, often called the culinary capital of France. Here are some must-try spots during your time in Lyon:

  • Bouchon Les Lyonnais $$ – Experience authentic Lyonnaise cuisine in a traditional bouchon, where you can enjoy specialties like quenelles and coq au vin.
  • Brasserie Georges $$ – A grand brasserie known for its Art Deco style and a wide selection of traditional French dishes.
  • L’Atelier des Augustins $$ – A cozy spot offering a modern twist on traditional French cuisine, ideal for a relaxed meal.
  • Le Café du Peintre $$ – A charming café that serves classic Lyonnaise dishes in a friendly atmosphere.

🍾 Going Out

Lyon’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Here are some top spots to check out:

  • Le Sucre – A popular club located on a rooftop, known for its eclectic music mix and stunning city views.
  • Ninkasi – A local brewery and music venue, perfect for enjoying craft beers and live performances.
  • La Maison M – A trendy bar with a laid-back vibe, great for cocktails and socializing with friends.
  • Le Petit Salon – An intimate concert venue hosting a variety of local and international artists, ideal for music lovers.
  • Les Fleurs du Mal – A stylish cocktail bar is known for its creative drinks and chic atmosphere.

⛰ Activities

Lyon offers a rich cultural experience with plenty of activities to enjoy:

  • Explore Vieux Lyon – Wander through the historic old town, famous for its Renaissance architecture and narrow cobblestone streets.
  • Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière – Visit this stunning basilica for breathtaking views of the city and impressive architecture.
  • Parc de la Tête d’Or – A beautiful urban park featuring a lake, botanical gardens, and a zoo, perfect for a leisurely outdoor day.
  • Musée des Confluences – A modern museum dedicated to science and anthropology, showcasing fascinating exhibits and architecture.
  • Attend the Fête des Lumières – If you’re in Lyon in December, don’t miss this spectacular festival of lights that illuminates the city.

💶 Cost of Living

Living in Lyon is generally more affordable than in Paris. Here’s what to expect:

  • Rent
    Renting in Lyon is relatively affordable compared to Paris. A room in a shared apartment can range from 400-700 EUR, while a studio apartment averages between 600-900 EUR, depending on the neighbourhood. Be aware of neighborhoods like La Guillotière (7th) as it is known for being a bit dangerous. If you are looking for a more familiar and residential area, we recommend the 6th. Otherwise, the 1st, 2nd and 8th are very central places to look for accommodation.

  • Groceries
    Lyon has numerous supermarkets, outdoor markets, and local shops. You’ll find options like Carrefour and Monoprix for everyday shopping, with many regional markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices.

  • Transportation
    Lyon has an efficient public transport system. A monthly transport pass costs about 65 EUR, providing access to the metro, trams, and buses. There are often student discounts available, depending on the length of your stay and your eligibility. 
    You will also be able to explore France and Europe through trains, planes and buses. For instance, Turin (Italy) is only a 4 hour bus ride away (https://global.flixbus.com/). The airport is located around 45 minutes out of the city, you can take the Rhône Express to get there and back costing around 16 EUR one way.
    There are 3 main train stations in Lyon: Gare Lyon Perrache, Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu and Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry so be aware of the different ones when booking trips. In fact, Lyon is only a 1.5 hour train ride from Marseille and 2 hours from Paris!