Living in Lyon.

Learn French in Lyon in an ideal environment.

“What are the words that characterize Lyon? Charm, dynamism, a city where modernity coexists with history, an affordable cost of living, a good ratio between French and international residents, a rich architectural heritage, a subtle blend between the legacy of the past and contemporary creativity. Lyon is a city that takes care of itself. Its international reputation and the fame of its gastronomy make Lyon the best city to learn French.”
Clara Moreau, administrative intern

Our French as a foreign language school is located in Lyon.

Lyon, the third-largest metropolitan area in France, stands out for its quality of life, student life, cultural scene, as well as its privileged location in France and Europe.

With its human scale and affordable cost of living, Lyon has an international reputation and competes in attractiveness with some of the world’s largest megacities. Between its historic heritage, renowned gastronomy, and dynamic student life, Lyon offers everything you need to experience an unforgettable stay in France.

For twenty years, Inflexyon has embraced these different dimensions by supporting you step by step toward successful integration.

Learn more about our French school in Lyon

Lyon, the second-largest student city in France.

Settling in Lyon means ensuring that you can continue your studies in France without having to move! Indeed, Lyon is the second-largest student city in France, with 160,000 students, including 15% international students. Lyon will be for you much more than just a city of study: it will be a place where you can improve your French, immerse yourself in the culture, and build an international network.

While the University of Lyon regularly ranks among the world’s top 200 universities (QS, Shanghai rankings), many international programs lead to double degrees, Erasmus+ exchanges, and partnerships with African, Asian, and American universities.

Major academic and scientific hub in France, Lyon combines a long-standing and diverse academic tradition (4 public universities, prestigious grandes écoles such as EM Lyon or ENS, as well as leading schools in gastronomy and fashion…), an innovative ecosystem, and an inspiring living environment, with roots dating back to the 13th century and historical figures such as François Rabelais, the famous author of Gargantua (link to article 1: Lyon among the top student cities).

Research and innovation, entrepreneurial dynamism.

Learning French in Lyon, continuing your studies there, and then building a rewarding professional career: this is what the city of Lyon can offer. The city, France’s second-largest economic hub, has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is full of student internship opportunities.

An industrial and scientific hub

Lyon is an important center for industry, research, and innovation, with major companies, start-ups, and strong links between education, science, and technology.
Centers of excellence

Lyon is a major player in fields such as health (Lyon-Bioaster cancer research cluster), digital technologies (Digital League), and energy (Tenerrdis).
Recognized laboratories

Lyon hosts LabEx (laboratories of excellence) in neuroscience, urban ecology, and the humanities.
An international reputation

International research infrastructures contribute to the global influence of Lyon, such as the ESRF synchrotron (Grenoble–Lyon), the Institute of Cognitive Sciences, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, linked to the WHO).

An open and cosmopolitan city.

Lyon is one of the French cities with the highest population turnover rates. According to recent studies by INSEE (the French National Institute of Statistics), three-quarters of current residents were not born there. Welcoming newcomers is therefore part of the DNA of this student city, which is highly attractive to expatriates. Lyon stands out for its particularly mobile and diverse population, reflecting the demographic and economic changes of contemporary France. This makes it a territory that represents France in all its diversity and mobility.

An exceptional historical heritage.

Lyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historic center (Vieux Lyon) and its Presqu’île. While the hills of Fourvière and Croix-Rousse reflect the city’s importance two thousand years ago, during the Roman era, Vieux Lyon offers narrow streets lined with Renaissance buildings.

Between the Rhône and the Saône, the two major rivers crossing the city, an elegant city center has developed, from which many viewpoints highlight the importance of water in this city.

Ancient Roman Theatres of Fourvière in Lyon

A high quality of life on a human scale .

Lyon is a large city with a human scale, where lively districts are served by an efficient public transport network (metro, tram, bike-sharing system). Between parks (such as Tête d’Or), cycling paths, and university clubs (rugby, dance, yoga…), there are also many opportunities to thrive outside of classes, on trails, in nature, or along the banks of the Rhône.

An eco-conscious city.

Lyon is a pioneer in urban greening, waste management, and pollution reduction, in line with national objectives. Its metro, tram, and bike-sharing system (Vélo’v) illustrates the ecological transition and the modernity of French infrastructure, which—like everywhere else—faces the challenges of the 21st century.

A rich cultural and museum heritage.

Lyon offers a rich museum landscape, including Lugdunum – the Museum and Roman Theatres, Musée Gadagne, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée des Confluences, Musée Lumière (the birthplace of cinema), and the Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon. This cultural offer reflects the diversity of French culture, from classical art to scientific and artistic innovation. Museums (such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée des Confluences) are free for people under 26, and theatres offer student discounts.

Internationally renowned festivals.

Lyon hosts internationally famous events such as the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières), the Dance Biennale, and the Nuits de Fourvière, which attract an international audience and showcase the vitality of French culture.

“The Fête des Lumières in December is a magical event where the entire city lights up. A unique experience to discover Lyon’s traditions!” says XXX.

A vibrant artistic scene all year round.

Lyon offers a lively artistic scene throughout the year. The Orchestre National de Lyon and the Opéra de Lyon delight music lovers year-round, while dance enthusiasts never miss the Dance Biennale or the many performances scheduled across the city.

Love theatre? The Théâtre des Célestins and the Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse are perfect for you, along with many other venues… something for every taste!

Lyon, gateway to the French regions.

Lyon is just two hours from Paris by high-speed train (TGV) and close to Burgundy, Provence, and Switzerland, making it a hub for exploring France.

“A weekend in Lyon can turn into a trip to Annecy or a hike in the Alps. Perfect for combining studies and adventure!” explains Slavka, the most sporty member of the Inflexyon team.

Wine routes begin right on the doorstep of Lyon, whether to the north (Beaujolais) or to the south (Côtes du Rhône). And for further travel or welcoming friends, Lyon–Saint Exupéry International Airport and Part-Dieu train station connect the city to Europe and the world. Lyon–Saint Exupéry offers direct flights to Europe, North Africa, and even Asia, ideal for trips home or weekend getaways.

In practice.

To discover Lyon in all its dimensions, students benefit from reduced fares in public transport, cinemas, and restaurants, as well as from solidarity grocery stores, allowing them to eat healthily without breaking the bank.

Transport: a student pass at a reduced rate for unlimited access to buses, metro, and trams.
Food: university restaurants offer low-cost meals.
Housing: CROUS student residences and shared apartments (websites such as Lokaviz…) are available for students. Not to forget the support offered by Inflexyon to its students, such as accommodation with a French host family.