Digital Nomad Life in Lyon, France

"I have been nicely surprised on how big the community of expats is in France. We are lucky to have: meetup.com/cities/fr/lyon/ - smaller groups of expats who organizes meetings close to their interests onlylyon.com - very useful for info and events happening in Lyon internations.org/start, which actively organizes events for expats," explained one person living in Lyon, France.

"Expats in Lyon join a variety of clubs and activities to meet people and acclimate to the region. Popular activities include outdoor sports teams such as running, cycling, and sailing, and organized sports like rugby, basketball and soccer. Language exchange groups are also popular, as many locals are bilingual in English and French, and some meetups are held for those interested in conversing in any foreign language. Expats who would like to get educated about the local culture can also join cooking, painting and photography classes. Other ways for expats to meet people in their new community are joining social media groups, connecting with other expats through shared interests such as health, wellness, music and art, and taking part in volunteer organizations," said one expat in Lyon, France.

"Lyon is a great city for expats and digital nomads, offering a vibrant culture, excellent food, and a great quality of life. The city is well connected, with excellent public transport, making it easy to get around. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other cities in France, making it an attractive option for those looking to live and work in the city. The city is also home to a large expat community, making it easy to meet people and make friends. The city also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from museums and galleries to parks and outdoor activities, making it a great place to explore and enjoy," said one expat in Lyon.

"J'adore Lyon! It's an amazing place! Not only because of the history and landscape, but I especially love it because of the people. They are very authentic French! They love their city, they love their food, they enjoy life and they appreciate good quality of life. What I noticed is that they are very family oriented, they spend time together and do many activities, they care about the city and they appreciate it. They are very welcoming and helpful....and they will help you learn French as English is not popular here as in Paris ;-)," remarked one member in Lyon.

"If you're looking for a place to live in Lyon, there are several options to consider. You can search for available apartments or houses for rent on popular websites such as Leboncoin or SeLoger, or you can look for short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb or HomeAway. You can also search for roommates on websites like EasyRoommate and Roomlala. Additionally, Lyon has a wide variety of real estate agents who can help you find the home or apartment of your dreams. Once you've narrowed down your options, make sure you inspect and visit the place before signing any contracts," said one person in Lyon, France.

"Well, firstly - great to hear that there is nothing to wait for. Just start learning some French...take few documents with yourself as France seems to like red tape very much and you need papers for everything! Take some birth certificates for sure. Don't worry about the accommodation because here in Lyon you will get many estate agencies to help you out and they speak English! And mostly...read some blogs, forums, expats websites which will provide you with the up to date info," explained one person living in Lyon, France.

"Before retiring to Lyon, expats should familiarize themselves with the local laws and regulations for retirees. It is also important to understand the language barriers associated with living in Lyon, as most of the locals speak French as their primary language. Additionally, it is wise for expats to research their housing options and the cost of living in the city ahead of time to ensure a comfortable transition. Finally, expats should research the availability of healthcare services in the city and make sure to obtain the proper health insurance coverage," said one expat in Lyon, France.

"Expats in Lyon appreciate the city’s rich cultural heritage, with its well-preserved historical buildings and monuments, inviting churches and cathedrals, and countless museums and art galleries. They also enjoy the wealth of cuisine options ranging from distinctly French fare to international cuisine, along with Lyon’s vibrant nightlife and bustling markets. Additionally, expats appreciate the city’s diverse and friendly population, which is highly accommodating of newcomers, and its public transportation system, giving them access to Lyon’s multiple neighborhoods, parks, and other attractions," remarked one member in Lyon, France.

"Expats in Lyon often find adapting to the local culture challenging due to the different attitudes to punctuality and directness. French people often take a more relaxed approach to arriving for appointments or events on time and their direct communication style can be off-putting for newcomers not used to such directness. It is also often difficult for expats to grasp the nuances of the French language, which can make communication difficult. Finally, expats sometimes find the limited availability of services in English language to be a challenge," said one expat who made the move to Lyon, France.

"If you plan to stay in Lyon for a period of time, you may need a visa and/or a residency permit. Depending on your country of origin, you may need a Schengen visa in order to stay in France. If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, then you could be required to apply for a long-term visa and/or a Carte de Sejour, which is a residence permit. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the various laws associated with staying in a foreign country for an extended period of time," explained one person living in Lyon, France, France.

"When visiting Lyon, it is important to remember to be respectful of its culture and to avoid making any offensive or insensitive remarks. It is best to dress conservatively, respect the pace of life in Lyon, and take the time to learn more about local customs and culture before visiting. Additionally, etiquette should be observed when dining out or visiting a public space. It is also important to remember that speaking too loudly or participating in public displays of affection are not common in Lyon," said one expat who made the move to Lyon, France.

"Lyon is home to a wide variety of healthcare services. The city is served by a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, Lyon is home to a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments. Finally, the city also has a number of health insurance providers, allowing residents to access the healthcare services they need," explained one expat living in Lyon, France.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Lyon appreciate the city's vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and beautiful architecture. They also enjoy the city's convenient public transportation system, which makes it easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Additionally, the city's low cost of living and abundance of job opportunities make it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's language barrier and lack of English-speaking locals to be a challenge. Additionally, the city's high cost of housing can be a deterrent for some," explained one expat living in Lyon, France.