Living in Lyon: Which Neighborhood to Choose?

Living in Lyon: The Best Neighborhood Based on Your Lifestyle.

Discover our guide to the most pleasant arrondissements in the city. Located between Paris and the Mediterranean, Lyon is a strategic hub in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Lyon is a dynamic city, rich in history, culture, and opportunities.

Every year, Lyon attracts new residents—students, families, professionals, and retirees—looking for a pleasant living environment, good quality of life, and a wide range of housing options. But living in Lyon means choosing your neighborhood wisely, as each area has its own atmosphere, services, and varying access to the city center.

Here’s an overview of the best neighborhoods in Lyon to settle in, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

Croix-Rousse: The Charm of a Village in the City

Located between the 1st and 4th arrondissements, Croix-Rousse is one of Lyon’s most iconic neighborhoods. Once home to the city’s silk workers, it retains a strong working-class and artistic identity. You’ll find bustling markets, local shops, lively bars, restaurants, and green spaces ideal for families.

It’s highly sought after for its quality of life, proximity to the city center, and easy access to the metro. Parc de la Cerisaie and spectacular city views add to the neighborhood’s appeal. Croix-Rousse combines history, art de vivre, and friendliness. Many locals consider it one of Lyon’s best neighborhoods.

Monplaisir and Montchat: A Family-Friendly, Peaceful Atmosphere

In the 3rd and 8th arrondissements, the neighborhoods of Monplaisir and Montchat offer a residential setting highly appreciated by families. Far from the hustle of the center, they feel like small villages with individual houses, local shops, schools, and many parks. Monplaisir charms with its typically Lyonnaise vibe—friendly, filled with small businesses and a lively market.

The Monplaisir area is also known for Place Ambroise-Courtois, its traditional Lyonnais restaurants, and Villa Lumière, an iconic cinema heritage site. All this, with quick metro access and close proximity to Part-Dieu.

Rental prices here remain relatively attractive compared to more central arrondissements, making it a very popular choice in Lyon’s housing market.

La Presqu’île: Lyon’s Cultural and Historic Heart

Situated between the Rhône and the Saône, the Presqu’île includes the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. It’s the city’s vibrant core, where historical architecture blends with commercial activity, museums, and nightlife. Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux, and Place des Jacobins are key landmarks.

This central neighborhood offers plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and direct metro access. It’s a very desirable area for renting an apartment thanks to its vibrant lifestyle and unrivaled cultural offering. It’s ideal for young professionals and couples who enjoy city life.

Rental prices are understandably higher, but the quality of life is worth the cost—especially for those wanting to live close to Lyon’s cultural heritage. In this central region, the banks of the island are also popular for their accessibility and vibrancy.

Vieux Lyon and Fourvière: History and Views

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vieux Lyon is a historic district of cobbled streets and hidden traboules. It holds much of Lyon’s heritage, with Saint-Jean Cathedral, artisanal markets, bouchons lyonnais, and numerous artisan workshops. It’s the perfect place to experience traditional Lyonnaise cuisine and regional specialties.

Above it all, Fourvière Hill offers sweeping views of the city and is home to the stunning basilica. It’s a peaceful neighborhood, ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle steeped in history.

You’ll find charming old apartments, often renovated, available for both short- and long-term rental, with prices varying by view, floor level, and proximity to historic sites. The nearby Île Barbe also offers a natural escape loved by locals.

Guillotière and Jean Macé: Lively, Youthful Districts

In the 7th arrondissement of Lyon, Guillotière and Jean Macé are buzzing neighborhoods, popular with students and young professionals. The cultural mix, proximity to universities, trendy bars, global cuisine, and popular markets make them highly dynamic areas.

Well connected by metro, tram, and bus, they provide quick access to the city center. These neighborhoods offer a rich local life filled with festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. The housing market remains relatively affordable, with rentals suitable for flat shares or studio living.

La Part-Dieu: Modernity and Convenience

Located in the 3rd arrondissement, La Part-Dieu is Lyon’s business hub. Extremely well connected (TGV station, metro, tram), it’s undergoing major urban changes focused on green mobility and public spaces.

You’ll find a diverse range of housing and modern apartments, highly sought after by working professionals. Its immediate proximity to the center makes it a practical and strategic choice for living in Lyon. Prices are more moderate compared to other central neighborhoods. For many, it’s one of the best options for a balanced urban lifestyle.

Confluence: A Vision of Future Urban Living

At the southern tip of the Presqu’île, the Confluence district symbolizes Lyon’s urban renewal. Built on former industrial land, it blends sustainability, contemporary architecture, and mixed-use development. Offices, apartments, shops, museums, and cultural venues coexist in one area.

This neighborhood is especially attractive to modern families and young professionals seeking a cutting-edge setting. Located by the Saône river, it offers well-designed public spaces and convenient metro access. The nautical square, landscaped quays, and Saône park are some of the district’s main attractions.

Vaise: A Growing District

In Lyon’s 9th arrondissement, Vaise is rapidly developing. Well connected to the rest of the city, it’s increasingly popular with renters. Locals are drawn by its cultural scene, local shops, and modern infrastructure. It strikes a balance between neighborhood life, city center accessibility, and more moderate rental prices.

In this area, urban projects are multiplying and the housing market is diversifying quickly. Vaise has become a strategic spot for those wanting to live in a well-connected and fast-growing arrondissement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Lyon offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, lifestyle, and character. Every district reflects a different side of Lyon’s soul, between tradition and innovation. Whether you’re looking for calm, a central location, or a lively scene, Lyon has something for everyone.

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