Experience in Lyon, France by Hakim

What is it like to live in Lyon? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Lyon is the second biggest city after Paris. You really live like a city-dweller. It's a student and cosmopolitan city where is good to live. You can see a lot of historical monuments, ancient buildings. The location of Lyon is well, near from Paris, Marseille and Geneva for example. The old center is great to drink a glass with friends.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lyon?

If you are an student, the life will be amazing. Universities from the center of Lyon are very beautiful and comfortable. You can find a plenty of libraries, restaurants, gyms, bars there and many more things.

How much does it cost to live in Lyon?

Lyon is a big city but expensive. Find a cheap accommodation is the major problem for any student. The public transport is expensive too, you can count around 30 euros per month. Of course, you can cross the city with a bicycle. The food is good and cheap in the supermarkets, a good point !

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lyon? Is there any advice you can give?

It's not difficult to find an accommodation in Lyon because the majority of people are students. So you can find something easily but to do a good deal, it's an another business ! My advice is to contact the CROUS, it's a public organization who can help you to get something in theirs residences. Otherwise, you can try to contact directly the students residences from the CROUS (Allix, Cavalier, Garibaldi, Madeleine...)
PS: In France, they love documents to set up a file for an accommodation, be brave !

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Lyon is the capital of gastronomy !!! You can find everything there, with several types of meals. My favorite dish is the Tacos, not the Mexican, the Lyon's Tacos. I know, there is junk food, but you need to try it ! With Algerian and cheesy sauce, so good and the price is very light, around 5 euros and 6.5 with fries and drink.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lyon?

Bellecour, one's of biggest place in Europe of course ! Old Lyon to drink something or eat in a typical restaurant of the city. Croix rousse, Hotel de ville for parties. Parc de la tête d'or, a big park with a zoo and lake, perfect to make a picnic during the sunny days.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lyon?

To be patient with others and yourself and spend your time with people to do goods deals. Lyon is a city that you are going to appreciate on the long terms