Lyon

🚗

Driving and Parking

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Driving and Parking in Lyon, France

Driving and parking in Lyon, France, can be a convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings, but it also comes with challenges, especially for those unfamiliar with French driving regulations and the city's layout. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate driving and parking in Lyon with ease.

1. Driving in Lyon: Regulations and Practical Information

Driving Regulations in France

  • Driving License:
    • EU/EEA citizens can use their national driving license.
    • Non-EU citizens can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license for up to one year. After this period, you may need to exchange your license for a French one, depending on your country of origin.
  • Age Requirements: The minimum age to drive in France is 18 years.
  • Insurance: All vehicles must have valid insurance. Carry proof of insurance in the car at all times.
  • Vehicle Equipment: By law, your car must be equipped with:
    • A reflective safety vest (accessible from inside the car).
    • A warning triangle.
    • Headlamp beam deflectors (for foreign vehicles).
    • A breathalyzer (though fines for not having one are not enforced).
  • Speed Limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph).
    • Suburban roads: 80 km/h (50 mph).
    • Highways: 130 km/h (81 mph) in dry conditions, 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet conditions.
  • Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers with less than three years of experience).

Driving in Lyon

  • Traffic Zones: Lyon has a dense city center with narrow streets and heavy traffic during peak hours. The Presqu’île (central peninsula) and Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) are particularly congested.
  • Low Emission Zone (ZFE): Lyon has a ZFE (Zone à Faibles Émissions) to reduce pollution. Vehicles must meet specific emissions standards to enter certain areas. Check your vehicle’s Crit’Air sticker classification (mandatory for all vehicles in France) to ensure compliance. You can order a Crit’Air sticker online for €3.70.
  • Roundabouts: Give priority to vehicles already in the roundabout unless otherwise indicated.
  • Toll Roads: Highways (autoroutes) in France often have tolls. Payment can be made by cash, card, or electronic toll tags (Télépéage).

2. Parking in Lyon: Options, Costs, and Permits

Parking in Lyon can be challenging, especially in the city center. However, there are several options available, ranging from on-street parking to public parking garages.

On-Street Parking

  • Zones and Rates:
    • Lyon is divided into different parking zones with varying rates and time limits.
      • Red Zone (Hyper-Center): €2/hour, maximum 1 hour.
      • Orange Zone (Central Areas): €1.50/hour, maximum 3 hours.
      • Green Zone (Peripheral Areas): €1/hour, maximum 5 hours.
    • Parking is free on Sundays and public holidays, as well as between 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM on weekdays.
  • Payment:
    • Use parking meters (accept coins and credit cards) or the "PayByPhone" app for cashless payments.
  • Fines: If you exceed your parking time or fail to pay, you may receive a fine (FPS - Forfait Post-Stationnement) of €60.

Public Parking Garages

  • Underground Parking Lots: Lyon has numerous underground parking garages, which are safer and more convenient for long-term parking. Popular options include:
    • Parking Bellecour (Place Bellecour): Central location, €2.80/hour or €28/day.
    • Parking Part-Dieu (near the train station): €2.50/hour or €25/day.
    • Parking Cité Internationale (near Parc de la Tête d’Or): €2/hour or €20/day.
  • Advantages:
    • No time limits.
    • Secure and monitored.
    • Ideal for tourists exploring the city center.

Park-and-Ride (P+R) Facilities

  • Lyon has an excellent Park-and-Ride system (Parcs Relais) for those who prefer to park outside the city and use public transport.
    • Locations: Near metro, tram, and bus stations (e.g., Gare de Vaise, Gare de Vénissieux, and Stade de Gerland).
    • Cost: Free or €2-€3 per day, often including a return ticket for public transport.
    • Ideal for commuters and visitors who want to avoid city-center traffic.

Residential Parking Permits

  • Residents can apply for a parking permit (macaron résident) to park in their neighborhood at reduced rates.
    • Cost: €20/month or €200/year.
    • Application: Submit proof of residence, vehicle registration, and ID to the Lyon Parking Authority (LPA).

3. Tips for Navigating Lyon by Car

Traffic Considerations

  • Rush Hours: Traffic is heaviest between 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM on weekdays. Avoid driving during these times if possible.
  • Navigation: Use GPS or apps like Google Maps or Waze to navigate Lyon’s complex one-way streets and avoid traffic jams.
  • Pedestrian Zones: Many areas, such as Rue de la République and parts of Vieux Lyon, are pedestrian-only. Plan your route accordingly.

Fuel Stations

  • Fuel is widely available, but prices are higher in the city center. Consider refueling at supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour, Auchan) on the outskirts for lower prices.
  • Average fuel prices (as of 2023):
    • Unleaded (SP95): €1.90/liter.
    • Diesel: €1.80/liter.

Driving Outside Lyon

  • Lyon is well-connected to other major cities via highways (e.g., A6 to Paris, A7 to Marseille). Consider renting a car for day trips to nearby attractions like Beaujolais wine country, Annecy, or the Alps.

4. Alternatives to Driving in Lyon

Driving in Lyon is not always necessary, thanks to the city’s excellent public transport system (TCL). Consider these alternatives:

  • Metro, Trams, and Buses: Affordable and efficient, with extensive coverage.
  • Cycling: Lyon has a bike-sharing system (Vélo’v) and many cycling paths.
  • Walking: The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

5. Key Considerations for Visitors

  • Car Rentals: If you’re renting a car, ensure it meets Crit’Air requirements and is equipped with mandatory safety items. Rental costs range from €40-€80/day, depending on the vehicle type.
  • Language: Road signs are in French, so familiarize yourself with common terms (e.g., "Sortie" = Exit, "Ralentir" = Slow Down).
  • Emergency Numbers: In case of an accident, dial 112 for emergency services.

Driving and parking in Lyon can be manageable with proper planning. While the city’s public transport system is often a better option for getting around the center, having a car is useful for exploring the surrounding areas. By understanding local regulations and parking options, you can enjoy a stress-free experience in Lyon.