Lyon Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Lyon, Rhône Alpes, France)



Picture showing the University of LyonLyon is a modern city and particularly tourist friendly, with many commercial banks and cashpoints lining the main thoroughfares of the Rue Bât d'Argent and the Rue de la République, both of which are located in the 1e Arrondissement. Further banks in Lyon are clustered around the Rue Victor Hugo in the 2e Arrondissement, while for currency exchange, the AOC Exchange off Place Bellecour is a good bet, although cashpoints usually suffice for small amounts of Euros.

If you find it difficult to spend time away from your computer, then Lyon's numerous Internet cafes will be able to connect you to the web, allowing you to check your email and send e-postcards. The bookshop cafe of Raconte-Moi a Terre on the Rue Thomassin is a good bet for your Internet access, which is charged on an hourly basis.


Photo showing bicycles parked outside the Velo StationLife in Lyon varies greatly, depending on where you stay, visit and the time of day. Lyon is home to many excellent shopping districts, which often boast a sophisticated feel and atmosphere, while at night-time, the city's pulsating nightlife is not to be missed and the central restaurants and bars quickly begin to fill up, often featuring outdoor tables on warm summer evenings.

Useful Contact Details

When you first arrive in Lyon, make the city's tourist information centre your first port of call. Apart from the usual leaflets, postcards and guide books, you will also be able to find out if there is anything of interest taking place during your stay in the city, so that you can be sure not to miss out on anything of interest.

Lyon Tourist Office
Address: Place Bellecour, 2e Arrondissement, Bellecour, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 562 04 7277 6969
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:30

Central Post Office
Address: 10 Place Antonin Poncet, 2e Arrondissement, Bellecour, Lyon, France, FR

AOC Exchange
Address: 20 Rue Gasparin, 2e Arrondissement, Bellecour, Lyon, France, FR
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 18:30

Photo of city tram

Language and Dialect

French is the language of Lyon and is often spoken quickly, so be prepared to listen carefully. Even the most basic French will prove invaluable and help you when shopping, eating out, or simply asking for directions.

Be sure to bring a French phrase book, preferably one that will comfortably fit in your pocket, so that you are never without it during your holiday in Lyon.

Excuse me - excusez-moi
Pleased to meet you - enchanté
Please - s'il vous plaît
Do you speak English? - parlez-vous anglais?
Please speak slowly - parlez lentement
Where? - où?
I don't understand - je ne comprends pas
Have a safe journey! - bon voyage!
Thank you (very much) - merci (beaucoup)