First month guide in Lyon

1. 1

   Validate Your VLS-TS Visa Online

   essential

   Upon arrival, validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) on the OFII website within the first three months. This is crucial for legal residency in France.

2. 2

   Open a French Bank Account

   essential

   Essential for rent, utilities, and daily transactions. Look into banks like Crédit Mutuel, Société Générale, or online options like N26 or Revolut for easier setup.

3. 3

   Get a French SIM Card

   essential

   Purchase a local SIM from providers like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom, or Free Mobile. Essential for staying connected and using local services.

4. 4

   Apply for CAF Housing Aid

   essential

   If eligible, apply for 'Aide Personnalisée au Logement' (APL) through CAF. This can significantly reduce your monthly rent, especially for students.

5. 5

   Subscribe to Health Insurance

   essential

   Register for the French national health insurance (CPAM) if you're a student or working. Consider a complementary 'mutuelle' for better coverage.

6. 6

   Understand French Rental Contracts

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with 'Bail de location meublée', 'Bail étudiant', or 'Contrat de colocation'. Know your rights and obligations, especially regarding notice periods.

7. 7

   Register with Your City Hall (Mairie)

   nice-to-have

   While not mandatory for all, registering can help with administrative processes and accessing local services. Check with your arrondissement's Mairie.

8. 8

   Set Up Utilities (Electricity, Internet)

   essential

   If your shared housing doesn't include them, set up accounts with providers like EDF for electricity and Orange, SFR, or Bouygues for internet.

9. 9

   Obtain a Public Transport Card (TCL)

   essential

   Get a 'Carte Técély' for Lyon's excellent public transport network (metro, tram, bus, funicular). Monthly passes are cost-effective.

1. 1

   Master Lyon's TCL Public Transport

   essential

   Utilize the TCL network to explore the city efficiently. Download the TCL app for real-time schedules and route planning.

2. 2

   Explore Local Markets and Groceries

   essential

   Visit markets like Marché Saint-Antoine Célestins or Croix-Rousse for fresh produce. Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan, and Lidl are widely available.

3. 3

   Discover Your Neighborhood's Services

   essential

   Locate essential services nearby: boulangerie, pharmacie, tabac, and your local post office (La Poste).

4. 4

   Learn Basic French Phrases

   recommended

   Even a few words like 'Bonjour', 'Merci', 'S'il vous plaît' will make daily interactions smoother and are greatly appreciated by locals.

5. 5

   Understand Waste Sorting Rules

   recommended

   Familiarize yourself with Lyon's specific waste sorting bins (yellow for recycling, green for glass, grey for general waste).

6. 6

   Find Local Pharmacies and Doctors

   essential

   Locate your nearest 'pharmacie' (distinguished by a green cross) and register with a 'médecin traitant' (general practitioner) if staying long-term.

7. 7

   Explore Lyon's Traboules and Vieux Lyon

   nice-to-have

   Wander through the hidden passageways ('traboules') of Croix-Rousse and the charming streets of Vieux Lyon to immerse yourself in the city's history.

8. 8

   Visit a Local 'Bouchon Lyonnais'

   nice-to-have

   Experience authentic Lyonnaise gastronomy at a traditional 'bouchon'. Try local specialties like 'quenelles' or 'tablier de sapeur'.

9. 9

   Utilize City Bike Sharing (Vélo'v)

   recommended

   For short distances and exploring, Vélo'v bike stations are abundant. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.

10. 10

    Get a French Tax Number (Numéro Fiscal)

    recommended

    If you're working, you'll need this for tax declarations. It's usually assigned when you file your first tax return.

1. 1

   Join University or Expat Groups

   recommended

   Connect with fellow students through university associations or find expat communities on Facebook groups like 'Expats in Lyon'.

2. 2

   Attend Language Exchange Events

   recommended

   Improve your French and meet new people at language exchange meetups. Websites like Meetup often list these events.

3. 3

   Explore Cultural Activities

   nice-to-have

   Visit museums like Musée des Confluences or fine arts, attend local festivals, or catch a show to integrate and meet people with shared interests.

4. 4

   Be Wary of Rental Scams

   essential

   Never send money before visiting a property and signing a contract. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially for shared housing in central Lyon.

5. 5

   Understand Guarantor Requirements

   essential

   Many landlords require a French guarantor. Explore options like Garant Me or Visale if you don't have one, as it's common for international residents.

6. 6

   Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help

   essential

   French bureaucracy can be complex. Reach out to university international offices, expat associations, or even friendly locals for assistance.

7. 7

   Embrace French Social Norms

   recommended

   Always say 'Bonjour' when entering a shop and 'Au revoir' when leaving. A small effort in politeness goes a long way.

8. 8

   Get Familiar with French Banking Hours

   recommended

   Banks often close for lunch and have limited Saturday hours. Plan your visits accordingly to avoid frustration.

9. 9

   Discover Parc de la Tête d'Or

   nice-to-have

   Spend an afternoon at this magnificent urban park. It's perfect for relaxation, jogging, or meeting friends, offering a zoo and botanical garden.

10. 10

    Connect with Your Flatmates

    recommended

    If in shared housing, make an effort to connect with your flatmates. They are your immediate community and can offer local insights.

• Always carry a copy of your ID and important documents; it's useful for unexpected checks or administrative steps.
• Investigate the 'garant Visale' program early if you lack a French guarantor; it's a free state-backed guarantee often accepted by landlords.
• For affordable, authentic meals, seek out university canteens (CROUS restaurants) or look for 'plat du jour' deals at local brasseries.
• Don't shy away from using Google Translate for administrative forms; accurate understanding prevents costly mistakes.
• Join local sports clubs or hobby groups; it's an excellent way to integrate deeply and practice French beyond formal settings.
• local_context

This guide is specifically tailored for Lyon, France, recognizing its unique administrative processes like OFII validation and CAF for housing aid. It highlights the city's excellent TCL public transport and addresses the competitive shared housing market, crucial for students and young professionals. Recommendations include navigating Lyonnaise culture, from 'bouchons' to 'traboules', making the advice uniquely relevant to living in this specific French city.

• Best neighborhoods
• Cost of living
• Moving checklist
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Expat community
• Grocery shopping
• Remote work cafés
• Nightlife & social
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Phone & internet