Moving from the UK to another country is not a quick or easy decision. There are plenty of things to think about and plan, alongside the challenge of settling into a new way of life.
This is true of any international relocation, even when the destination is somewhere as appealing as Lyon. France’s third largest city offers celebrated food, beautiful architecture and easy access to the countryside, but living there is naturally quite different from visiting for a weekend.
To help you decide whether it could be the right place for you, we look at what it is really like to live in Lyon, including the lifestyle, weather, transport and practicalities you should consider before moving.
Key takeaways
- Lyon offers many of the attractions of a major French city without feeling as overwhelming as Paris.
- Its food, history and location close to the Alps are among its biggest attractions.
- Public transport is extensive, although many residents also walk or cycle.
- Summers can be very hot, while winters are generally cold and sometimes foggy.
- Learning French will make everyday life and local administration considerably easier.
- British citizens should check the latest visa and residency requirements before relocating.
The food is incredible
Now, this could probably be said for anywhere in France, but one thing that you need to know is that the food in Lyon is exceptional. The city is widely regarded as one of France’s great culinary destinations and has a strong regional food culture.
There are regular fresh markets offering local produce, cheese, meat, bread and seasonal ingredients. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is one of the city’s best known indoor food markets, while neighbourhood markets provide a more everyday shopping experience.
Lyon is also known for its traditional bouchons, which serve local dishes in relaxed and often characterful surroundings. The cuisine tends to be rich and hearty, with popular specialities including quenelles, saucisson brioché and salade lyonnaise.
Even better, if you are looking for something a little more special, there are several Michelin starred restaurants in and around the city. These naturally come with a bigger price tag, but eating well in Lyon certainly does not have to mean choosing fine dining every time.
The history is rich
Lyon is a city steeped in history, and the best part is that many of its most important sights are concentrated within a relatively compact area.
Vieux Lyon is known for its Renaissance buildings, cobbled streets and hidden traboules. These narrow passageways run through buildings and courtyards, connecting one street to another. Some can still be explored today, although visitors and residents should remember that several pass through private residential buildings.
Elsewhere, you can discover the Roman theatres on Fourvière Hill, the grand squares of the Presqu’île and the former silk workers’ neighbourhood of Croix-Rousse. Lyon’s historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so simply walking through the city can reveal centuries of architecture and history.
Despite its historic character, Lyon does not feel frozen in the past. Modern developments such as the Confluence district sit alongside older neighbourhoods, giving different parts of the city their own atmosphere.
It is an active city
If you enjoy an active lifestyle, Lyon provides plenty of opportunities to get outside. There are moments when the slower pace often associated with life in France becomes apparent, particularly during long lunches and quiet Sundays, but Lyon remains a busy working city.
The Rhône and Saône rivers provide attractive routes for walking, running and cycling. Parc de la Tête d’Or is another popular place to exercise or spend time outdoors, with extensive green space close to the city centre.
The Alps are also within reach, which is ideal for anyone interested in skiing, hiking or mountain sports. Numerous resorts can be reached by car, train or seasonal coach services, although journey times depend on the destination and traffic.
Within Lyon itself, many people walk, cycle or use public transport. The TCL network includes metro, tram, bus and funicular services, making it possible to live in many parts of the city without relying on a car. Transport costs and journey times will depend on where you live, so it is worth checking your likely commute before choosing a neighbourhood.
The climate can change quickly
While you may expect Lyon to be hot and sunny throughout the year, the city experiences clearly defined seasons.
Summers can be very hot, particularly during periods of extreme heat. Air conditioning is not standard in every apartment, especially in older buildings, so this is worth checking when viewing a property. Shutters, fans and good ventilation can make a considerable difference.
Winters are usually colder than many new arrivals expect and can bring frost, rain and fog. Snowfall in central Lyon is possible but not generally persistent. Spring and autumn are often milder, although conditions can change quickly.
You will therefore need clothing for both high summer temperatures and cold winter mornings rather than planning for warm French weather all year.
Knowing French will make life easier
While many French people learn English at school, you should not assume that everyone will be comfortable speaking it. This can make communication difficult, particularly when dealing with landlords, utility providers, healthcare services and administrative departments.
The truth is, even if your French is not yet particularly strong, making an effort to use it can make a noticeable difference. Local people are often more patient when they can see that you are trying, even if you need more time to explain yourself.
Learning some French before you arrive will help with basic tasks, but regular classes or conversation groups can be valuable once you are living in Lyon. Language skills can also help you feel less isolated and make it easier to build relationships beyond an English speaking social circle.
Choosing where to live in Lyon
Where you live can have a significant effect on your experience of the city. Lyon is divided into nine arrondissements, each containing neighbourhoods with different housing styles, transport links and atmospheres.
Vieux Lyon offers historic surroundings but attracts large numbers of visitors. The Presqu’île is central and lively, while Croix-Rousse has a distinctive neighbourhood feel and strong links to the city’s silk weaving history. Areas such as the 3rd, 6th and 7th arrondissements provide a mixture of residential streets, shops and convenient transport connections.
Families may also consider communities outside the central arrondissements, where properties can offer more space. However, the right area will depend on your budget, workplace, school requirements and preferred lifestyle.
Before committing to a property, visit the neighbourhood at different times of day and check the journey to work or school. Your budget will naturally influence where you settle, so it is worth comparing the cost of living in France with the UK before deciding how much you can comfortably spend on housing and everyday expenses. It is also sensible to understand what documentation a landlord or letting agent will expect, as securing a rental property in France can involve more paperwork than some UK tenants anticipate.
The practicalities require planning
British citizens planning to live in France must make sure they have the appropriate immigration permission. The rules depend on your circumstances, including whether you are moving for work, study, retirement or to join family.
The UK Government’s guidance for British citizens living in France covers visas, residency, healthcare, employment, tax, driving and property. Requirements can change, so check the latest official information rather than relying solely on advice from social media or older relocation guides.
You should also allow time to organise accommodation, healthcare, banking and any documents required for work or education. Having digital and paper copies of important records can make the first few weeks considerably easier.
When organising the physical relocation, an experienced company offering European removals can help you plan the collection, transport and delivery of your belongings. It is worth arranging a detailed survey early, particularly if you are moving the contents of a full household.
Is Lyon a good place to live?
Lyon can be an excellent place to live if you want the amenities of a major city alongside historic neighbourhoods, a strong food culture and easy access to the wider Rhône Alpes region. Lyon can be an excellent place to live if you want the amenities of a major city alongside historic neighbourhoods, a strong food culture and easy access to the wider Rhône Alpes region. Looking at the broader pros and cons of living in France can also help you decide whether the country suits your expectations beyond Lyon itself.
However, adjusting to the language, administration and seasonal weather may take time. Housing costs also vary considerably between neighbourhoods, so it is important to research the areas that suit both your lifestyle and budget.
If Lyon sounds like the right next home for you, careful preparation can make the relocation much more manageable. Pinnacle Removals provides professional removals to France, with support for packing, transport and delivery to your new home.
Our team can arrange a home or video survey to assess the volume of your belongings and discuss the most suitable way to complete your move. Get in touch with Pinnacle Removals & Storage to start planning your relocation to Lyon.
