Lyon
Lyon is a city synonymous with the silk industry, the French Resistance and a reputation as the ‘gastronomic capital of the world’. It is located between the Rhone and the Saône rivers in the south of France. Lyon is home to some of the finest restaurants and chefs in the country and forms the second largest metropolitan area in France, after Paris.
Besides the many restaurants, bistros and cafes that entice people to this endearing city, Lyon boasts three large city parks, some 30 museums and countless monuments symbolising Lyon’s development through the ages. It is home to the world-famous Lyon Opera House, whose orchestra’s reputation has travelled far beyond French borders.
UNESCO lists Lyon as a World Heritage site due to its rich and diverse 2,000-year history, evident in the awe-inspiring Romanesque architecture and medieval buildings in Old Lyon, including the Primatiale St-Jean Cathedral, and the 15th-century Hôtel du Chamarier.
To the west, Fourviere Hill offers panoramic views of the city, and its own attractions include the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, and the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine.
By day, Lyon can be viewed by boat on a trip down its rivers and, at night, dinner cruises add an element of fantasy to the city. Lyon is a city rich in food, history and culture, making it a hidden treasure in the French landscape. It certainly lives up to its Roman name, Lugdunum, meaning ‘the hill of light’.
Climate for Lyon
Lyon has a humid subtropical climate influenced by its position in the Rhône Valley. The cold winds blowing in from the Alps are tempered by the warm Mediterranean breezes from the south to create a relatively mild climate. Winters (December to February) are cold, with average temperatures around 36F (2C) and biting winds that make the temperature seem lower. Snow and freezing rain are common. Summers (June to August) are warm and sunny, with average temperatures between 57F (14C) and 82F (28C), although temperatures can occasionally climb as high as 95F (35C). Precipitation is fairly steady throughout the year, with an average of 8 to 10 rainy days per month, although Lyon receives nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The best time to visit Lyon is on either side of the peak summer months (June and September) to avoid extreme temperatures and large crowds.
Health Notes when travelling to France
No particular vaccinations or medications are required for travel to France. The prevalence of certain tick-borne infections, such as lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne encephalitis, and rickettsial diseases, mean that travellers should take precautions against ticks if they are travelling in rural or forested areas in warm weather. French hospitals and health facilities are first class. Visitors from other EU countries are entitled to discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Otherwise, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, so medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to France
While violent crime against tourists is rare and holidays in France are generally trouble-free, visitors should be mindful that security has been heightened following a series of terrorist attacks in recent years, particularly in the transport sector. Unattended luggage left in public places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions against petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves and pickpockets operate on the metro and around airports. Theft from cars is prevalent, particularly in the south, around Marseilles, and in Corsica. Tourists are advised to conceal bags and purses even when driving, and to never leave valuables unattended in the car. Bag snatching is also common, particularly on public transport and in shopping centres, and visitors should also be vigilant of luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports.
Customs in France
French culture is of paramount importance to the French people. In an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to protect it, and it is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of French. Locals do not respond well to being shouted at in English. While the food is second to none, foreigners may find the service in many restaurants sloppy. Waiters can appear rude (particularly in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are. Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national sports are football, rugby and cycling. Smoking in public places is not allowed and will incur heavy fines.
Duty Free in France
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years of age entering France can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco. Four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer and one litre of spirits over 22 percent or two litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent. Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers, and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15 years of age).
Doing Business in France
Business etiquette is important in France. A smart, fashionable sense of dress is common as the nation prides itself on haut couture. Punctuality is not always observed though and the ‘fashionably late’ tactic may be applied. A handshake is the common form of greeting for men and women upon first introductions. Titles are important and the person is to be referred to as ‘monsieur’ (Mr.), ‘madame’ (Mrs.), or ‘mademoiselle’ (Ms.). Meetings usually occur over lunches, and the French are known to enjoy food. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in France
The international access code for France is +33. It is often cheaper to get a local sim card than to pay international roaming costs. Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.
Tipping in France
Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15 percent service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another two to three percent is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15 percent is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10 to 15 percent of the fare, and hairdressers about 10 percent. Hotel staff generally receive about €1.50 a day and tips of about €1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Additionally, travellers must hold sufficient funds to cover their stay in France, and proof of repatriation (a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination). Note that Schengen visas, if required, are also valid for French Guiana and French West Indies and Reunion, provided that the Schengen visa is endorsed “Also valid for French territories being in observation of the respective French territories”. We recommend that passports always be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay in France. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after their intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter France. Note that entry and transit will be refused to holders of Temporary passports.
Getting around in Lyon is easy and fairly cheap compared to other European cities. Lyon takes full advantage of the Rhone Valley’s roads and rivers, and transport routes into and out of the city are numerous. Air-rail links are made simple with Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport’s TGV high-speed train station, as well as the highly developed TGV network and freeway system. The urban transport network consists of over 130 bus lines, two funiculars, four metro lines and six tramway lines. Tickets can be used across all modes of transport. A single ticket is valid for an hour and allows for multiple changes across the different forms of transport, but not a return journey. The City Card is ideal for sightseeing as visitors can get to most places in the city with it and receive free entry to some sites. The metro runs from 5am to midnight and night buses are available thereafter. Taxis are widely available. Commuters should make sure the meter has been reset before travelling and that the meter is on during the journey. If there is no meter then agree on a fee before setting off. Lyon’s Old Town is a charming part of the city to explore on foot, and bicycles can also be rented.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
