Capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the metropolis of Lyon is home to 1.4 million inhabitants spread across 58 municipalities, with a 360° experience, between urban centres and rural areas.
With its 2,000 years of history and UNESCO World Heritage status, the metropolis of Lyon offers a unique blend of architecture, from Gallo-Roman ruins to modern or revitalized urban projects like Lyon-Confluence and Gerland’s Biodistrict.
The metropolitan area is particularly well-known for its art of living, its gastronomy, and its vibrant culture with festivals (dedicated to lights, cinema, or electronic music) taking place throughout the year, along with biennales (dance and contemporary art), and a wealth of museums (including the Musée des Confluences, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Musée d’Art Contemporain).
On the economic front, the Lyon metropolitan area is particularly attractive, with over 175,000 businesses and nearly 650,000 private-sector jobs. The metropolis and its region represent both the second-largest economic hub in France and a major decision center. The ecosystem is especially dynamic in the fields of chemical, life science, food and textile industries, all with a strong focus on decarbonization and resource preservation to take better account of social and environmental impacts.
The Lyon metropolitan area is also distinguished by the excellence of its research and academic hub, the second largest in France after Paris, with 190,000 students and programs across all major disciplines.
The synergy between research and innovative production creates a fertile ground for entrepreneurs. In 2023, more than 30,000 new businesses were created.
Due to its location in the heart of Western Europe, the Lyon metropolitan area is ideally accessible by an extensive and optimized transport network connecting to major French, European, and international cities: highways, high-speed trains, an international airport, and not to mention a river port in the southern part of the city, the Port of Lyon Édouard Herriot, which benefits from a strategic position at crossroads of European and international trade. In the heart of the metropolis, the public transport network offers an exceptional coverage of the entire area with 4 metro lines, 7 tram lines, and, soon, 350 km of cycling lanes, with the Voies lyonnaises project.
The territory is managed by Lyon Metropole, a local authority based on a unique model in France. This institution has a wide range of responsibilities, including urban planning, social action, economic development, ecological transition and infrastructure management. One of Lyon Metropole’s priorities being ecological transition, it is heavily investing in renewable energy, sustainable mobility and environmental preservation, with projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for its residents.
On the social front, Lyon Metropole stands out for its inclusive policies and its ambition to guarantee access for all to essential public services. From education to healthcare and support for vulnerable individuals, it strives for a more cohesive and just society. Cooperation with the 58 municipalities that make the metropolis is at the heart of the project, allowing for a more tailored response to the needs of residents while supporting innovative social initiatives.
