Villeurbanne: the city that embodies the best of the Lyon metropolis
Located at the gates of Lyon, Villeurbanne enjoys a strategic position in the heart of one of the most dynamic regions in Europe.
Urban, lively, and endowed with a strong identity, it now attracts students, professionals, families and newcomers seduced by its unique balance between urban animation and quality of life.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: a driving force in France and Europe
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is one of the most powerful in France, both in terms of its economic weight and its demographic dynamics. With nearly 8 million inhabitants, it is the 2nd most populous region in the country and stands out as the 4th largest region in the European Union in terms of GDP.
Its vast territory — more than 69,000 km² — brings together major cities, innovative industrial zones, and several renowned university centers. At the centre of this complex: the metropolis of Lyon, an economic and cultural engine.
The Lyon metropolis: an attractive and connected urban centre
With its 1.3 million inhabitants, the Metropolis of Lyon is the 3rd largest French conurbation . Renowned for its economic dynamism, academic excellence and quality of life, it attracts thousands of new residents every year.
The Lyon urban area has more than 2.2 million inhabitants and is experiencing constant demographic growth, proof of its intense attractiveness. Between employment areas, efficient transport, culture and gastronomy, Lyon shines well beyond its borders.
It is in this context that Villeurbanne occupies a privileged place: a city that naturally extends Lyon, while asserting its own identity.
Villeurbanne: the second largest city in the Rhône, a stone's throw from the centre of Lyon
🎭 A strong identity, inherited from a singular history
Once an agricultural territory, Villeurbanne was profoundly transformed with the industrial revolution. The arrival of factories and workers shaped a city marked by:
- a social and cultural mix,
- a workers' tradition,
- and atypical urban planning, particularly with the famous Gratte-Ciel district, built in the 1930s.
Even today, these elements give Villeurbanne a unique character within the Lyon metropolis.
A complete and balanced living environment
🌿 Green spaces in the heart of the city
The town offers many parks and relaxation areas:
- the Feyssine park, on the banks of the Rhône,
- pleasant neighbourhood parks (Bazin, Chambovet, etc.),
- and quick access to the Tête d'Or park, a real green lung of the agglomeration.
🎓 A student and innovative city
Villeurbanne is home to a large part of the Doua campus, where you can find:
- the University of Lyon 1,
- INSA,
- engineering schools and research laboratories.
A young and dynamic population thus animates the city throughout the year.
🎨 A rich cultural offer
Theatre, concert halls, cultural centres, cinema...
Villeurbanne is home to major places such as:
- the TNP (Théâtre National Populaire),
- film studios,
- the Institute of Contemporary Art,
- the Rize, an emblematic cultural place.
Living in Villeurbanne: the advantages of a town at the gates of Lyon
Thanks to its direct links to Lyon (metro, tram, bus), Villeurbanne allows you to quickly reach the major employment and study areas of the agglomeration.
👉 70% of Villeurbanne's working population works outside the municipality, mostly in Lyon — proof of its strategic connection with the metropolis.
Efficient and varied transport
Villeurbanne benefits from an excellent network:
- metro lines A and D,
- tram T1, T3 and T4,
- numerous bus lines,
- cycle paths,
- Vélo'V stations,
- close to the Part-Dieu train station and the Lyon ring road.
This accessibility reinforces the sector's appeal for a smooth daily life.
A lively city but quieter than Lyon centre
Villeurbanne offers a good compromise:
- the energy of a big city,
- but more peaceful neighborhood atmospheres (neighboring Montchat, Grandclément, Charpennes...).
Ideal for people looking for an urban lifestyle without excessive hustle and bustle.
Services and shops galore
Schools, markets, medical centres, local shops, restaurants...
The city has everything you need for everyday life, often within walking distance.
Why choose Villeurbanne to set up?
Because it perfectly embodies the balance sought by many inhabitants:
✨ close to Lyon without being subject to its constraints,
✨ well connected and dynamic,
✨ lively, young, cultural,
✨ rich in services, shops and green spaces,
✨ with a strong identity and a true sense of community.
Villeurbanne is now one of the most attractive cities in the Lyon metropolis — an ideal destination to live, study or work while enjoying the immediate proximity of Lyon.
Posted on 03/12/2025 by
Eric SAVARD
