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Practical Information

Practical Information

Burgundy And The Rhone, France

Communication

Stay connected during your visit to Lyon.

Connectivity & Language

  • Local SIM Cards: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile available. Passport registration needed for prepaid. Consider Airalo eSIM for digital convenience.
  • Internet Access: Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. A portable device from Solis Wi-Fi provides constant access.
  • Language Barriers: French is official. English is common in tourist areas. Translation apps like Google Translate and DeepL Rosetta Stone for learning.

Postal Services

La Poste is France's national postal service. Post offices city-wide handle postcards or packages.

Sending Mail

  • Find post offices throughout Lyon.
  • Stamps ("timbres") also sell at tabacs (tobacco shops).
  • International shipping services available.

Important Phrases

Learning a few basic phrases demonstrates respect and smooths daily interactions.

Common French Phrases

  • Bonjour (bon-ZHOOR): Hello/Good day
  • Merci (mehr-SEE): Thank you
  • S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH): Please

More Phrases

phrases for basic conversation.

Essential Daily Usage

  • Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH): Do you speak English?
  • Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohn-PRAHN pah): I don't understand
  • L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYOHN, seel voo PLEH): The bill, please

Helpful Communication Tips

Greeting Customs

  • Always start with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir."
  • Use "Madame" or "Monsieur" for addressing people.
  • Conclude interactions with "Au revoir" or "Merci, au revoir."
  • A little French effort usually brings a warmer response.

General Advice

  • Mobile data with a local SIM is the most reliable for continuous internet.
  • Carry a French phrasebook for basic daily communication.
  • Download offline language packs for translation apps.
  • Practice pronunciation to improve interactions.

Communication Pointer

Even with minimal French, beginning a conversation with "Bonjour" before asking "Parlez-vous anglais?" usually leads to a more positive response.

Business Hours & Schedules

Know typical operating hours and holiday closures in Lyon.

Shops

Monday-Saturday, 9/10 AM - 7/7:30 PM. Many smaller shops close for lunch (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM). Sunday closures are common.

Restaurants

Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:00/2:30 PM. Dinner: 7:00 PM - 10:00/10:30 PM. Many close between lunch and dinner, Mondays are common closing days.

Museums & Attractions

Generally open 10/11 AM - 6/7 PM. Most museums close on Mondays. Confirm specific hours before visiting.

Pharmacies & Banking

Access healthcare supplies and financial services.

Daily Operations

  • Pharmacies: Typically 9:00 AM - 7:00/8:00 PM. "Pharmacie de garde" for after-hours service.
  • Banking Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Some Saturday mornings.
  • ATM Locations: Widely available 24/7 at banks, post offices, and shopping centers.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Public holidays and seasonal variations impact business schedules.

Planning Around Closures

  • Public Holidays: Most businesses close. Reduced public transport.
  • Major Holidays: Jan 1, May 1, May 8, July 14, Aug 15, Nov 1, Nov 11, Dec 25.
  • Seasonal Closures: Some small businesses may close for weeks in August for summer holidays.

Additional Travel Logistics

Airport Lounge Access

  • Priority Pass: Travel with independent airport lounge access globally. (Priority Pass)
  • Offers a comfortable waiting area.
  • Complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Flight Compensation Assistance

  • Compensair: Get compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. (Compensair)
  • Claim assistance simplifies the process.
  • Recieve fair compensation for travel disruptions.

Planning Ahead

Confirm opening hours directly before any visit, especially during holidays or the low season, as schedules may vary.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engage with Lyon's culture respectfully.

Greeting Customs

Polite greetings are customary in France.

Daily Interactions

  • Always greet shopkeepers, staff, and strangers with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir."
  • Address people using "Madame" or "Monsieur."
  • When departing, say "Au revoir" or "Merci, au revoir."

Appropriate Attire

Dress codes vary by setting.

Dressing for Occasions

  • General: Smart casual is common. Lyon's locals dress well.
  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered. A scarf proves useful.
  • Fine Dining: Smart casual or semi-formal attire stands as the norm.

Photography & Taboos

Observe local customs regarding photography and sensitive topics.

Social Norms

  • Photography: Ask permission before photographing individuals.
  • Taboos: Avoid politics, religion, or money with strangers.
  • Be mindful of personal space; less demonstrative with strangers.

Gender & LGBTQ+

France maintains a progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

Social Acceptance

  • Lyon hosts a visible LGBTQ+ community and venues.
  • Public displays of affection are generally acceptable, regardless of gender.
  • The city is welcoming and inclusive.

Dining & Tipping

Service is Included

  • "Service compris" (service included) means the tip is already part of the bill.
  • No additional tip is expected for standard service.
  • Extra tipping is for truly exceptional service.

Dining Out

  • Waiters do not expect large tips, a few euros is sufficient.
  • Restaurants usually close between lunch and dinner.
  • Mondays are common closing days for many traditional bouchons.

Other Practicalities

Emergency Contacts

  • European Emergency Number: 112 (all services)
  • Fire Brigade: 18
  • Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15

General Assistance

  • Police: 17
  • Lyon Tourist Office provides information and resources.
  • For non-emergencies, contact your hotel concierge.

Language Tip

Speaking a few French words always fosters more pleasant interactions with locals.

Accessibility Information

Lyon has made strides in accessibility, though historical areas present challenges.

Infrastructure for Mobility

Public transport and pedestrian areas vary in accessibility.

Getting Around

  • Public Transport: Newer metro, trams, and buses are generally accessible (ramps, elevators).
  • Older metro lines, specifically Line A, may feature limited accessibility with stairs.
  • Pavements: Presqu'île is flat. Vieux Lyon's cobblestones pose challenges for wheelchairs or strollers.

Accessible Attractions

Many major sites strive for improved accessibility.

Visiting Popular Sites

  • Musée des Confluences: Modern and well-equipped for accessibility.
  • Fourvière Basilica: A lift accesses upper levels.
  • Check individual attraction websites for specific details.

Sensory Accessibility

Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Support Services

  • Some public transport systems offer audio announcements.
  • Contact the Lyon Tourist Office or specific venues in advance for available services.
  • Pre-trip communication ensures a smoother visit.

Accessibility Resources

Resources available for planning an accessible trip.

Information Points

  • Lyon Tourist Office: Assistance and resources for specific needs.
  • Jaccede.com: User-contributed accessibility data for venues across France.
  • TCL website: Detailed accessibility information for public transport routes and stations.

Place des Terreaux, Lyon

A central square in Lyon, representing a significant urban space for residents and visitors alike. Parts of the Presqu'île, where Place des Terreaux resides, maintain relatively flat surfaces, aiding pedestrian travel.