May 21, 2023

Think of Lyon as a bite-sized Paris. It has the history, it has the world-renowned gastronomy – enough so to put it into the top places to go in France simply because of the food. It has the charm, but it feels so much more manageable, making it one of the best places to stay in France. You could tackle Lyon in a few days, but if you’ve got the time to stay longer you could really get under its skin and learn its twists and turns. Find the best fromagerie and the crunchiest baguette, or see how many neighbors you can get to smile at you and how many back alleys you can memorize. But to accomplish all that, you’ll need to be in the right neighborhood, so here they are, eight of the best areas to stay in Lyon. 

To be very central: Bellecour Cordeliers

Many people will refer to La Presqu'lle – the peninsula – this is the area between the Rhône and Saone rivers, and it is, in fact, a peninsula. But there are more distinct neighborhoods that make up this region of the city. Farther to the north, abutting the 1st arrondissement, is Bellecour Cordeliers, with Place Bellecour in the center of it. Along the peninsula, this is the most touristy area and lots of the best things to do in Lyon are nearby. Beyond that element, you’ll find some gorgeous properties along the Rhône. Staying here you’ll also be very close to Old Town, which you can get to on foot in about ten minutes.

Check out MOHOM - Hôtel-Dieu which advertises itself as a comfy home hotel. 

To be close to the attractions: Vieux Lyon

Vieux Lyon is otherwise known as Lyon’s Old Town, and it is as picture-perfect as you’d expect. Across France, old towns are often one of the best places to stay in the country. If you choose to stay here you’ll open your door to narrow, cobblestoned alleyways and luxurious courtyards. While you will have some crowds coming through fairly regularly, that’s because you also have a myriad of attractions just a stone’s throw away. This area is quite safe for tourists, and you can expect to find plenty of options for accommodation, generally though rooms will be smaller and buildings older (though plenty of them have been refurbished in recent years!).

Check out the gorgeous, purpose-built apartments of Home by LP Vieux-Lyon.

To hang out with younger locals: Confluence/Perrache 

The Confluence is, as you might have guessed, at the confluence of the two rivers, and it is part of a slightly larger neighborhood known as Perrache. This means it is the southernmost neighborhood along the peninsula. It is also the largest and perhaps the least touristy in terms of its attraction offerings. That doesn’t mean though, that there is not still plenty to do. But with an art school you’ll find the offerings lean more towards young locals, but sometimes staying around younger people makes for the best areas to stay no matter where you are in France! The Confluence neighborhood is both extremely well connected with tram, metro, and bus lines running through it and has plenty to offer with a myriad of parks and over 100 bars and restaurants.

Check out Aparthotel Adagio Lyon Patio Confluence, especially if you’re traveling as a family or larger group.

To go out at night: 1st Arrondissement 

Just north of the peninsula, as the land between the rivers starts to widen, is the 1st Arrondissement. If you’re looking for good nightlife, check out the area around Place des Terreaux. Generally speaking, this entire arrondissement can be described as hipster, so if that’s your vibe, this is the place for you. Despite that new age coolness, the 1st arrondissement maintains its classic historic charm as well with some of the most quintessentially French buildings in the city. Do be careful in this part of the city, because though you are not yet fully in the hills, you can encounter some steep roads and areas with lots of steps, so it is not always the most accessible place to stay. 

Check out the selection of cozy apartments at La COUR des BOIS. 

To go shopping: The 3rd Arrondissement

Now we’ve crossed the Rhône and headed to the eastern part of the city. This is a much larger area than the previously mentioned neighborhoods, extending about three miles from east to west. This neighborhood has the largest population in Lyon, though it is actually only the second most densely populated after the 1st arrondissement. Since there are so many people and so much space here, you can expect to find a lot going on, and the vibes will truly depend on where you are. If you stick to the river bank you’ll find more tranquil, tree-lined streets, while if you head east you’ll hit the train station as well as lots of shopping and offices. 

Check out Villa 216, a boutique bed & breakfast in a beautiful old building.

To explore different cultures: Guillotière

Guillotière is a smaller neighborhood also east of the river, just west of the 3rd arrondissement. This area was the first to be developed on the east side of Lyon. As a younger area, it appeals to those new to the city. Now it is highly diverse and vibrant with a multicultural atmosphere. It is also heavily populated with students from the nearby universities. Some say that Guillotière is a slightly less desirable neighborhood that can sometimes be sketchy.

Though technically just beyond the border of the neighborhood, check out ​​Mama Shelter Lyon.

To hang with the wealthy locals: Bellecour Carnot

Bellecour Carnot is the middle area of the peninsula, tucked between Bellecour Cordeliers and the Confluence. This means that it’s where the touristy areas of the northern peninsula blend into the university student/everyday resident vibe of the south. As with anywhere along the peninsula, you’re very centrally located and have great public transport connections. Bellecour Carnot has a really nice vibe of the less studenty of students and local residents. There are definitely some of the bourgeois who make their homes here, but that ensures clean streets and good dining options! 

Check out the adorably small and very central Une nuit au second.

To hang with the hipsters: Croix Rousse

The Croix Rousse is also the 4th arrondissement and is a large district to the north, up the hill. It’s an amazing neighborhood and if you have a longer stay in Lyon you should consider coming up here so you’re not always walking out into the chaos of tourists. Here, like the 1st arrondissement, there are lots of hipsters. Think skateparks and great craft beer. But there are also gorgeous squares, delicious cheese shops, and lots of space.

Without a huge selection of hotels, you might instead check out a nice Airbnb.

From prime tourist areas to multicultural neighborhoods on the edge of the city, Lyon has a lot to offer, making it one of the best cities to stay in in France, even just in regards to how many neighborhood options there are.