France : Safety by City
- Bordeaux
- Le Havre
- Lille
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Martinique
- Montpellier
- Nantes
- Nice
- Nimes
- Paris
- Reims
- Rennes
- Strasbourg
- Toulon
- Toulouse
Lyon or Lyons is the third-largest city and second-largest urban area of France. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, about 470 km south-east of Paris, 320 km north of Marseille, and 56 km northeast of Saint-Étienne. Inhabitants of the city are called Lyonnais.
Warnings & Dangers in Lyon
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Lyon is generally safe to travel to. However, tourists should keep track of their belongings and do not leave bags and money unattended. It is better to bypass some areas and not walk the city streets late at night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport in the city is well developed and safe. However, pickpockets can be found here during rush hour and in the evening. Use only licensed taxi services when taking a taxi.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
In the touristy Old Lyon, there are well-organized pickpocket groups. Watch your belongings in this place, especially carefully. Be wary of those who ask for or offer help.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
The city is not subject to any serious risks of natural disasters.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Lyon. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in this city. But the global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Most often, fraud in the city is associated with street beggars and fake money-raising centers for all sorts of problems. Be especially careful in tourist places.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Lyon. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.
How Safe Is Lyon for Tourists?
Lyon has an average level of security, with a crime rate ranging from low to medium.
The main problems are associated with petty robberies, car theft, and fraud.
It can be said that tourists are usually not concerned with the big problems of the city.
If you exercise your usual attentiveness and caution, you will remain safe.
It is better to keep your personal belongings and expensive devices with you and not leave them in the car when you leave.
It is also recommended to lock the car when you leave it.
On the rue Sainte-Catherine, behind the Place des Terreaux, you can often find many aggressive drunk people.
The police are watching closely, but it is probably best to avoid the area alone, especially at night.
In densely populated areas such as Rue de la République or outside of Part-Dieu station, you may meet people promoting charity; they can be recognized by their specific colored clothing.
They will not ask you for money but rather provide you with information documents that encourage you to donate.
Never give money on the street to those who claim to be working for charity and do not have official documents, or if the documents look questionable.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Lyon?
A visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of fewer than 90 days. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Lyon?
The euro is the official currency in France. The euro is divided into 100 cents.
How's the Weather like in Lyon?
In Lyon, the summers are warm; the winters are frigid, partly cloudy year-round. The most pleasant weather is from June to September.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Lyon?
Saint-Exupéry Airport is 25 km east of Lyon, is an airport that has a few intercontinental flights but is developing fast. Another one is Grenoble-Isère Airport between Lyon and Grenoble and is served by some low-cost airlines.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Lyon?
The center of Lyon reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu’île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
Is the Water in Lyon Safe to Drink?
Is Uber Safe in Lyon?
There is an Uber taxi in Lyon. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.
