Lyon is France’s second city in everything except population — and in gastronomy, many argue it ranks first. The self-declared world capital of French cuisine, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, a major European hub for biotech, pharmaceuticals and digital technology, and a city with a cost of living dramatically below Paris — Lyon consistently punches above its weight as a destination for UK expatriates. Whether you’re relocating for work, seeking the French lifestyle at a more accessible price point, or simply following your stomach, this guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Lyon from the UK.
Why UK Nationals Move to Lyon
- Food capital of France — Paul Bocuse made Lyon famous; the city has maintained that reputation. The bouchon lyonnais (traditional Lyon bistrot) is a cultural institution. Markets along the Saône are outstanding. Three Michelin-starred restaurants alongside working-class traditional cuisine coexist in a way unique to Lyon
- Lower cost than Paris — rental costs in Lyon are typically 35–50% lower than equivalent Paris properties. The quality of life per pound spent is significantly better
- Strong economy — Lyon is France’s second economic hub, with a major cluster in biotech and pharmaceuticals (Mérieux, Sanofi, bioMérieux are headquartered here), automotive, digital technology and insurance
- UNESCO World Heritage Site — Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon), the Fourvière hill, the Renaissance Presqu’île and the Roman ruins at Lugdunum make Lyon one of the most historically rich cities in France
- Excellent transport links — Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport has direct flights to London (1h15) and other UK cities. Paris by TGV is 2 hours. Geneva 2 hours, Marseille 1h40
- Student city — three major universities and 120,000+ students give Lyon a young, cosmopolitan energy and excellent nightlife
Lyon Arrondissements: Where to Live
Lyon is divided into 9 arrondissements, each with a distinct character:
1er arrondissement (Presqu’île Nord) — the northern tip of Lyon’s peninsula between the Rhône and Saône. Historic, trendy, increasingly gentrified. Croix-Rousse hilltop (accessible via steep streets or funicular) is Lyon’s most characterful neighbourhood — former home of silk weavers (canuts), now a bohemian community of artists, creatives and families. Excellent market on Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse.
2e arrondissement (Presqu’île Sud / Centre) — the commercial and administrative heart of Lyon. Place Bellecour (one of Europe’s largest squares), department stores, major shopping streets. Busy and central rather than residential.
3e arrondissement (Part-Dieu) — Lyon’s modern business district, dominated by the Part-Dieu shopping centre and commercial towers. Growing residential population; more affordable than the Presqu’île. The main train station (Lyon Part-Dieu) is here.
4e arrondissement (Croix-Rousse) — the main Croix-Rousse plateau. Lively, popular with young families and professionals. Village atmosphere despite being central. Excellent food market. More affordable than the 1er and 6e.
5e arrondissement (Vieux-Lyon) — Old Lyon, UNESCO heritage. Medieval and Renaissance architecture, cobbled traboules (hidden passageways), excellent bouchons. Very popular with tourists but has a genuine residential community. Mostly stone apartment buildings; no modern construction.
6e arrondissement — Lyon’s most prestigious residential arrondissement. Parc de la Tête d’Or (Lyon’s main park), grand Haussmann-style apartments, expensive. Popular with executives and wealthy families.
7e arrondissement (Guillotière / Jean Macé) — diverse, multicultural, increasingly popular with young professionals. More affordable than the Presqu’île. Strong café culture around Jean Macé station.
8e arrondissement (Monplaisir) — southeastern district. Residential, quieter, more local in character. Good value, popular with families. Home to Institut Lumière (birthplace of cinema — the Lumière brothers were from Lyon).
Cost of Living in Lyon
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (6e / Presqu’île) | €1,100 – €1,700 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (7e / 3e) | €750 – €1,200 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city centre) | €1,300 – €2,200 |
| Monthly TCL transport pass (abonnement) | €67 |
| Groceries (one person) | €200 – €350 |
| Eating out (bouchon lyonnais) | €20 – €35 for two courses |
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
UK nationals moving to Lyon for more than 90 days require a French long-stay visa (visa de long séjour, type D). Options:
Visa salarié (employee) — for those with a French employment contract. Your employer initiates the application; the work authorisation is embedded in the visa.
Talent Passeport — for highly skilled workers, researchers, international company employees and entrepreneurs. Lower administrative burden than a standard work visa for qualifying profiles.
Visa visiteur — for those without French employment but with sufficient income (pension, investments, savings) to support themselves. Does not permit working for French employers. The most common route for retirees. Minimum income approximately €1,200–€1,500/month per person.
Visa étudiant — for those enrolled at a French university or language school.
Apply through the French consulate-général in London. Processing times: 4–12 weeks depending on category. Allow at least 3 months.
After arrival:
- Register with the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) to complete the visa process
- Apply for your titre de séjour (residence permit) via the ANEF online portal — required for stays over 1 year
- Register with local social security (CAF, CPAM) for access to French public healthcare
Healthcare in Lyon
Lyon is a major university hospital city. The Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) system is one of France’s largest — including Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hôpital Édouard Herriot and Lyon-Sud. Medical care is of high quality.
Register with a médecin traitant (GP) as soon as possible after arrival — required to access the French healthcare reimbursement system (Sécurité Sociale) at full rates. Many Lyon doctors list as accepting new patients on Doctolib (French online appointment platform).
Complementary health insurance (mutuelle) is strongly recommended and very common in France — it covers the portion of costs not reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale (typically 30% on most consultations, more on dentistry and optometry).
Shipping Your Belongings to Lyon
Easy Move operates regular groupage services to France, with delivery to Lyon. Transit time from London to Lyon is typically 3–4 working days. EU customs documentation (including Transfer of Residence application) is included as standard in our removals to France service.
Access note: Lyon’s historic districts — particularly Vieux-Lyon (5e) and Croix-Rousse (1er, 4e) — have narrow streets and restricted vehicle access. Large removal vehicles may not be able to reach your front door in these areas. Confirm access with your removal company; a shuttle vehicle or manual carry from a nearby accessible street may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Lyon from the UK
Is Lyon a better choice than Paris for UK expats?
For most people who are not required to be in Paris for work, Lyon offers a significantly better quality of life per pound spent. Rents are 35–50% lower, the city is more human-scale and navigable, the food culture is arguably superior, and the pace of life is less frenetic. The trade-offs: fewer English-speaking expats (though the number is growing), fewer direct flights to UK cities, and a smaller international professional network.
What French language level do I need to live in Lyon?
More than in Paris. Lyon is not a tourist city in the same way as Paris, and English is less widely spoken outside academic and international business contexts. A working knowledge of French (B1–B2) makes daily life, administration and social integration significantly easier. Intensive French classes (Alliance Française Lyon, private language schools) are widely available and recommended before or immediately after arrival.
What is the rental market like in Lyon?
Increasingly competitive but still accessible compared to Paris. The 6e and Presqu’île are the tightest markets; the 3e, 7e and 8e offer more availability. The garant (guarantor) requirement — where landlords often require a French guarantor with income 3× the rent — is a common challenge for new arrivals without local connections. The VISALE service (Garantie Visale) provides a state-backed rental guarantee for qualifying tenants and can substitute for a personal guarantor.
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to Lyon?
Easy Move’s typical transit time from London to Lyon is 3–4 working days, with EU customs documentation (Transfer of Residence) included as standard.
Can I use the Sécu (French social security) healthcare as a UK national in Lyon?
Yes, once you have legal residency in France and register with the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). Registration requires your titre de séjour and proof of address. The process takes 4–8 weeks; private health insurance is recommended as a bridge during the initial period.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.