What are the best neighborhoods in Lyon France?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the France Property Pack

Yes, the analysis of Lyon's property market is included in our pack

What's your monthly housing budget including rent or mortgage, utilities, and other home-related costs?

Monthly housing costs in Lyon vary dramatically by neighborhood, ranging from €1,200 to €3,500 per month for a typical two-bedroom apartment including utilities.

In premium areas like the 6th arrondissement near Parc de la Tête d'Or, expect monthly costs of €2,800-€3,500 for a 60m² apartment, including €150-€200 for utilities and internet. The Presqu'île district requires €2,400-€3,200 monthly for similar properties.

Mid-range neighborhoods like Part-Dieu and Gerland offer more affordable options at €1,800-€2,600 monthly, while emerging areas like Confluence typically cost €2,000-€2,800. Budget-friendly options in Villeurbanne and the 8th arrondissement range from €1,200-€2,000 monthly.

Utilities average €120-€180 monthly for an 85m² apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and waste management. Internet costs €30-€50 monthly, while parking adds €80-€150 in central areas.

As of June 2025, purchase prices range from €690,000 for a three-bedroom in the 6th arrondissement to €380,000 in more affordable areas like Moulin à Vent.

How long is your average commute time acceptable, and what mode of transportation do you prefer?

Lyon's efficient public transport system makes commutes of 20-40 minutes acceptable for most residents, with the metro operating every 2-3 minutes during peak hours.

The TCL network includes four metro lines (A, B, C, D), seven tram lines, and extensive bus coverage serving 62 communes in the metropolitan area. Metro operation runs from 5 AM to midnight daily, extending until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Central neighborhoods like Presqu'île and Part-Dieu offer the shortest commutes with multiple transport options. The 6th arrondissement connects efficiently via Metro A and B lines, while Croix-Rousse benefits from Metro C and funicular access.

Single tickets cost €1.90 (€2.20 on buses), while monthly passes are €65-€80. The Vélo'v bike-sharing system provides 428 stations citywide with free 30-minute rentals, popular for short distances and leisure travel.

Most Lyon residents prefer public transport over private vehicles, with 36% of home-to-work journeys using public transit. The Rhônexpress connects Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport to Part-Dieu in 30 minutes.

How important is proximity to schools, and are there specific educational ratings or school types you're looking for?

Lyon ranks as France's second-largest student city with nearly 200,000 students, making school proximity a crucial factor for families and investors targeting student housing markets.

The city offers excellent public schools, prestigious private institutions, and six international schools including the International School of Lyon (ISL) serving 45+ nationalities. The Cité Scolaire Internationale provides French education with seven foreign language tracks.

Areas near major universities like Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, ENS Lyon, and emlyon business school command premium rents. The 6th and 7th arrondissements house several university campuses, making them popular with international students and academic staff.

International schools cluster around affluent neighborhoods: ISL in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, West Point Bilingual in central Lyon, and Ombrosa International School offering multilingual education. Annual fees range from €8,000-€15,000 for international programs.

Properties within walking distance of quality schools or university campuses achieve rental yields 0.5-1% higher than average, particularly beneficial for student housing investments near campus areas in the 7th arrondissement and Villeurbanne.

What's the crime rate in different neighborhoods, and how do they compare to the city's average?

Lyon has a crime index of 57.34, which is moderate for a major French city, with significant variations between neighborhoods ranging from very safe to areas requiring increased vigilance.

The safest areas include the 6th arrondissement, Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon, and Croix-Rousse, where violent crime is rare and property crime remains below city average. These districts benefit from regular police patrols and active community monitoring.

Areas requiring caution include parts of the 7th arrondissement (particularly Guillotière district), the 8th and 9th arrondissements, and some sections of Villeurbanne. The Guillotière area faces higher concentrations of drug trafficking, theft, and anti-social behavior.

Property crimes like pickpocketing and burglary are the most common issues, particularly in tourist areas and transport hubs. Violent crime remains relatively low compared to other major European cities.

Women report feeling generally safe in Lyon with a 3.6/5 safety rating, though caution is advised in certain neighborhoods after dark. The city has implemented specialized police brigades in sensitive areas with positive results in crime reduction.

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How much do property prices or rental rates vary between neighborhoods, per square meter or per bedroom?

What's the average income level and socio-economic profile of the residents in each area?

Lyon's neighborhoods display distinct socio-economic profiles, with the 6th arrondissement and Presqu'île hosting the highest-income residents averaging €55,000-€70,000 annually.

The 6th arrondissement attracts affluent families, executives, and professionals in finance, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. This area has the highest concentration of private mansions and luxury apartments, reflecting its status as Lyon's most exclusive district.

Presqu'île and Croix-Rousse appeal to young professionals, artists, and cultural workers with annual incomes of €40,000-€55,000. These areas combine historic charm with modern amenities, attracting creative industries and tech startups.

Part-Dieu serves as Lyon's business district, housing corporate headquarters and attracting middle to upper-middle-class professionals earning €45,000-€60,000 annually. The area's proximity to the TGV station makes it popular with frequent business travelers.

Villeurbanne and the 8th-9th arrondissements have more diverse income levels ranging from €25,000-€45,000, with significant student populations, young families, and service sector workers. These areas benefit from urban renewal projects and improving transport connections.

What types of housing (apartments, townhouses, detached homes) are most common in each neighborhood?

Lyon's housing stock consists predominantly of apartments (94.5%), with building styles and housing types varying significantly by neighborhood and historical development patterns.

The 6th arrondissement features elegant Haussmann-style buildings with spacious apartments, private mansions, and modern luxury developments. Typical properties range from 80-150m² with high ceilings, original architectural details, and private parking.

Presqu'île offers historic apartments in 15th-16th century buildings alongside renovated lofts and modern developments. Properties typically range from 50-100m², ideal for young professionals and small families seeking central living.

Croix-Rousse showcases former silk worker housing (Canut buildings) with distinctive high ceilings (4+ meters), large windows, and industrial character. These converted spaces appeal to artists and professionals seeking unique living environments.

Part-Dieu dominates with modern high-rise apartments and office complexes built from the 1960s-1980s, offering contemporary amenities but less architectural character. New developments focus on energy efficiency and modern design.

Suburban areas like Villeurbanne provide a mix of social housing, private apartments, and limited single-family homes. Recent developments emphasize sustainable construction and family-friendly layouts.

What's the population density and general noise level in each neighborhood?

Lyon proper has a population density of 10,000 people per square kilometer, with significant variations between central districts and suburban areas affecting noise levels and urban atmosphere.

Presqu'île experiences the highest density and activity levels as Lyon's commercial heart, with moderate to high noise from traffic, shopping areas, and nightlife. Pedestrian zones reduce vehicle noise but increase foot traffic activity.

The 6th arrondissement maintains lower density despite central location, offering quieter residential streets around Parc de la Tête d'Or. Tree-lined avenues and green spaces provide natural noise barriers and peaceful environments.

Croix-Rousse sits on elevated terrain providing natural noise reduction from city center activities. The plateau location creates a village-like atmosphere within the urban environment, popular with families seeking tranquility.

Part-Dieu experiences significant daytime noise from business activities, traffic, and TGV operations, but quiets considerably during evenings and weekends. Modern buildings often include sound insulation features.

Suburban areas like Villeurbanne offer lower density and reduced noise levels, particularly in residential zones away from major transport corridors. The Gratte-Ciel area experiences moderate activity due to shopping and transport hubs.

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Are there parks, grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, and cultural amenities within walking distance or a short drive?

Lyon offers excellent urban amenities across all neighborhoods, with the city center providing the highest concentration of cultural attractions, dining, and shopping within walking distance.

The 6th arrondissement benefits from Parc de la Tête d'Or (105 hectares), Lyon's largest urban park featuring a lake, zoo, and botanical garden. High-end shopping along Cours Franklin Roosevelt and luxury dining establishments serve affluent residents.

Presqu'île provides unmatched access to Place Bellecour (Europe's largest pedestrian square), major shopping streets, museums, and Lyon's famous bouchon restaurants. Every daily need is within walking distance, from markets to cultural venues.

Croix-Rousse offers local markets, artisan shops, and cultural spaces in former silk workshops. The area maintains a village atmosphere with excellent local amenities and easy access to city center attractions via funiculars.

Part-Dieu houses major shopping centers, the central library, and business amenities. The district provides convenient access to sports facilities and benefits from ongoing urban development projects improving public spaces.

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What is the demographic breakdown (age groups, family vs single, expat vs local) in each neighborhood?

Lyon's 522,250 residents display diverse demographic patterns across neighborhoods, with 13% foreign-born residents concentrated in specific areas attractive to international communities.

The 6th arrondissement attracts affluent families (40% families with children), professionals aged 30-50 (45%), and a growing expat community (15%) working in international business and biotechnology sectors.

Presqu'île appeals primarily to young professionals aged 25-40 (60%), singles and couples without children (70%), and international students/workers (20%) attracted by central location and nightlife.

Croix-Rousse maintains a balanced mix of artists, families, and long-term residents aged 30-55 (50%), with increasing appeal to young families seeking character properties and community atmosphere.

Part-Dieu houses business professionals (55%), frequent travelers utilizing TGV connections, and a growing international business community. Age groups span 25-50 with moderate family presence.

Villeurbanne serves Lyon's largest student population with university housing, young professionals starting careers (ages 20-35), and diverse immigrant communities contributing to cultural richness.

How has the real estate market in each area evolved over the past 5–10 years, in terms of price growth and demand?

Lyon's real estate market experienced significant growth from 2015-2023 with an 11.6% price increase in 2021 alone, followed by market stabilization and selective growth patterns in 2024-2025.

The 6th arrondissement consistently demonstrated the strongest price appreciation, growing 8-12% annually through 2020-2023 before moderating to 2-4% in 2024-2025. Limited supply and prestige location maintain steady demand despite higher prices.

Croix-Rousse experienced notable price volatility with an 8.2% decline in the center and 3.3% drop on the plateau in 2024, yet remains highly desirable due to construction restrictions limiting new supply.

Part-Dieu and emerging districts like Confluence saw 7-9% annual appreciation during 2020-2024 driven by limited supply and corporate expansion. Infrastructure improvements continue supporting price growth.

Villeurbanne and suburban areas demonstrated strong growth potential with 5-8% annual increases, particularly in areas benefiting from new transport connections and urban renewal projects like Gratte-Ciel Nord.

Rental yields remained stable at 3-4% citywide, with higher returns (4.5-5.5%) achievable in student areas and emerging neighborhoods near universities and business districts.

Are there any urban development projects, new transit lines, or gentrification trends planned in the coming years?

Lyon's urban development strategy includes significant transport expansions, neighborhood revitalization projects, and sustainable city initiatives planned through 2030 that will impact property values across multiple districts.

The tramway network expansion includes extending line B to Gerland and Oullins, improving connectivity for these emerging neighborhoods and likely driving property appreciation of 3-5% annually in served areas.

Part-Dieu undergoes major redevelopment with station modernization, new commercial spaces, and improved cycling infrastructure. The €290 million T9 tramway line will enhance connections to surrounding business districts.

Confluence district continues transformation with new residential developments, green spaces, and cultural facilities. This former industrial area targets 2,000 new apartments through 2028, representing significant investment opportunities.

The Gratte-Ciel Nord project in Villeurbanne aims to extend the city center and create new public spaces, supporting gentrification trends and property value increases in this affordable area.

Lyon's "Canopy Plan" emphasizes sustainable urban development with increased tree coverage and energy-efficient buildings, potentially adding premium value to eco-friendly properties throughout the metropolitan area.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. 11 hottest real estate areas in Lyon in 2025 – Investropa
2. 12 statistics for the Lyon real estate market in 2025 – Investropa
3. 17 strong trends for 2025 in the Lyon property market – Investropa
4. Rental investment in Lyon: advantages & disadvantages in 2025
5. Crime in Lyon. Safety in Lyon
6. Lyon - Wikipedia
7. Transport in Lyon: your guide to move around - ITECH Lyon
8. International Schools in Lyon | MumAbroad
9. Lyon Neighborhoods to Avoid: Tips for a Safe Stay
10. Property for sale in Lyon