Villeurbanne City Guide

Villeurbanne shares Lyon's rich food culture with local Lyonnaise dishes and international cuisines. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Some places stay open late, mainly on weekends.

The city has bars and music venues, with more club options just over in Lyon. It's lively but quieter than a big city center.

Coffee scene mixes traditional French cafés with a few specialty shops and local roasters.

Tipping is optional as service charge is included. Small tips for good service are appreciated but not required.

Buy SIM cards at mobile provider stores (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile) or big supermarkets. eSIMs are available from major providers. You need ID or a passport to register.

Streets are generally clean with good waste and recycling services. Few sanitation problems.

Some pharmacies rotate late-night openings. Convenience stores have long hours but rarely open 24/7. Hospitals provide 24/7 emergency care. Food options late at night are limited.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, Leclerc, and Lidl offer local and international products. Fresh markets are available on some days. Shops usually open 8:30 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Most close Sundays and holidays.

Card payments work in almost all places, so you rarely need cash for daily expenses.

ATMs are common in banks and shopping centers. Fees depend on your bank, so check before you go.

Villeurbanne has many French public schools. International schools are mostly in Lyon, offering English, German, and Spanish sections. Applications for international schools can be competitive.

Part of the Lyon metro area’s growing nomad scene. Meetups and co-working spaces mostly in Lyon but accessible. Some nomad-friendly cafés in town.

Parks and riversides provide plenty of green space with shaded areas and running paths.

Popular running spots include local parks and riverside paths. Generally safe with running groups and events nearby.

Several gyms offer standard equipment and group classes.

Tennis and padel courts are easy to find. Booking and some equipment rental available. Coaching offered at clubs.

Padel courts are growing in number, mostly found at tennis clubs.

Several yoga studios offer classes in various styles. Drop-in and memberships available. English instructors may be found.

Multiple dojos offer Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, and BJJ. Drop-in classes available. English-speaking instructors may be rare.

Ski resorts are within 1.5-2.5 hours. Good snow and diverse runs for all levels. Rentals available at resorts.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are possible on nearby rivers and lakes, especially in warmer months. Equipment rental and guided tours available.

No surfing nearby; Atlantic coast is several hours away.

No diving near Villeurbanne. Mediterranean sites are several hours away.

High-quality care is available in public and private hospitals. Some doctors and emergency staff speak English. Pharmacies are easy to find and well-stocked.

Tap water is safe to drink and meets high quality standards.

Many playgrounds and parks are available. Cafés are often family-friendly with some offering play areas. Baby supplies can be found in supermarkets and specialty stores. Nearby Lyon has popular family spots.

Good acceptance in Villeurbanne and nearby Lyon with safe venues and annual Pride events. Legal protections are strong.

Pet-friendly with dog parks and vet clinics. Many parks allow dogs on leash. Some accommodations and restaurants accept pets.