Since the Renaissance, the banks of the two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, that flow through the city, the Fourvière basilica that dominates the city centre, and the Old part of Lyon, are sights that make Lyon an extremely pleasant place to live in.

Lyon is not only home to many of France’s large corporations which now operate worldwide; it also attracts many international firms and organizations.
For centuries, the city has been a trading center at the cross-roads between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean South. While its entrepreneurial culture dates back to the silk manufacturers in the early 19th century, its present dynamism is based on a diversified range of modern industries: energy, chemicals, vaccines, laser technology, etc.
Ranked again this year as one of France's top 5 student cities, Lyon offers students from all over the world a quality living and studying environment. With over 150,000 students, Lyon is a major European university hub.
Want to know more about Lyon? Visit the tourist office website.

• 2 big teams in soccer and basketball: Olympique Lyonnais: French Champion for 7 consecutive years, 3 times quarterfinalist in the European Champions league and LDLC ASVEL, also French champion and Euroleague participant.
• Some strong individual talents: Gwendal Peizerat & Nathalie Pechalat (ice skating), Yann Cucherat (gymnastics)…
• Many sports meetings: The World Rugby Championship, the World Gymnastics Championship, and other yearly events such as the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix, Lyon Marathon.

Lyon is well known for its gastronomy and the quality of its food. Since the early 20th century, Lyon has been widely considered as the French capital of gastronomy. In 1935, the French gastronomy writer Curnonsky, who was then the most celebrated in the trade, along with Marcel E. Grancher, wrote a book called “Lyon, the World Capital of Gastronomy”. Lyon gastronomy is often a quite simple way of cooking with local products. Typical dishes from Lyon might sometimes be rich, but Lyon's gastronomy is a high quality traditional cuisine.

Want to know more about Lyon's museums, shopping areas and other activities you could do in the city?

• Museums in Lyon
• Shopping in Lyon
• Parks, gardens and places to go for a stroll

Total expenses in a month: around €1000 to €1200

• Rent: €600 to €700
• Charges (electricity, gas, internet, water…): about €130
• Transportation: €25/month student price. [Regular price: €72)
• Food: €200
• Books, photocopies...: €40
• Miscellaneous (insurances…): €100
• Phone provider: €10 à €15
• Leisure: €100
  Please note that this is a tentative budget which may be subject to change depending on the type of accommodation you find, the transport card you buy etc.

Lyon is well known for the quality of its food. You will have no difficulties to find what you need in the city. There are many supermarkets around Lyon as well as markets providing you with fresh food throughout the week.

> Eating on the campus
Food corner: Located on the ground level and open every day, you will find :

• 4 counters each with different cuisines where meals are prepared and served on site.
• A connected catering space to eat at anytime thanks to smart fridges and micro-waves

> Coffee and water fountains: Remember to bring your cup and bottle with you. To reduce waste, you won’t find any paper cup on campus.

> Cost of meals:

• A meal in a fast food restaurant: €8
• A meal in a local restaurant in Lyon: €18
• A sandwich: €5
• A butter “croissant”: €1

Lyon is a great city to live in. You will have plenty of activities to do during your spare time.

• A ticket to the cinema: €7 to €9 at student price
• A ticket to the theatre: between €10 and €20
• A ticket to the stadium «Parc Olympique Lyonnais», new home of the Olympique Lyonnais (football team): between €10 and €25
• A ticket to the sports Hall «Astroballe», home of LDLC ASVEL (basketball team): from €7 to €15
  If you get your “Carte de séjour" (residency permit), you will be able to work up to 20 hours a week, without needing a working permit. For further information, visit www.service-public.fr (in French).