Normally, Lyon is a perfectly safe destination. Locals helped us put together this guide to safety in Lyon. It covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers.
Work with a local to build your trip to Lyon. Our locals offer up-to-date information you might not find online—and tips on how to avoid crowds. Learn more.
Yes! Travel to France is mostly back to normal. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can visit France for vacation (although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated before travel). Negative COVID tests are no longer required for Americans to enter the country. And the government does not currently have a mask mandate either. But masking is still recommended on public transit and indoors in public.
There’s one exception effective January 5, 2023: if you are traveling from China you will need a negative COVID test and will be required to mask on planes and public transportation.
Locals in France can help answer any questions you might have about coronavirus (and they can recommend the best off-the-beaten-path places to linger over a meal).
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Read our full update about travel and coronavirus HERE. Or, send a message to a French local.
Safety in Lyon
One of our favorite cities to visit in France, Lyon offers travelers a compelling combination of vibrant university life and stellar history. It’s also considered to be a fairly safe destination in France.
However, Lyon is a big city—it’s the 3rd-largest in France—which means that there are some things that travelers should know. Overall, it’s a wonderful place to visit in France. By following a few common-sense safety rules, you’ll be fine!
Although France is a safe destination, locals tell us you should watch out for scammers and pickpockets: Beware of:
These scams are common throughout France. So be on your guard, use common sense, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Local tip: If anyone offers you something for free—a rose, a bracelet, or another charm—refuse it, and walk away. These are common scams in France.
In the last few years, locals note that France has seen strikes over transit, retirement policies, and inequality. That means that—while French transportation is generally safe and reliable—strikes might disrupt travel.
Travel agencies might tell you to skip Lyon if a protest is likely. However, locals say that protests are usually planned in advance. If you work with a local to plan your trip, they’ll let you know how to navigate the latest strikes. After all, they do it all the time!
Whether you travel to Paris or Lyon, locals tell us that France is a safe destination for solo travelers. They offered a couple of tips for anyone adventuring alone:
Work with a local to plan your trip if you’re looking for personalized advice on exploring Lyon solo. It’s like having a best friend in France—but you’ll still explore on your own.
No matter where you go in France—so many options!—it’s good to know a few phrases. Locals tell us that these are some basic ones to keep in mind:
As a big city, Lyon is a good place to stay in France if you speak no French. People in restaurants and hotels will speak English. But don’t expect the entire city to be fluent.
In any case, it’s easy to say hello and thank you in French. Even if you have a terrible accent the effort is appreciated.
Although it’s unlikely, here are some good numbers to have on hand in case you run into trouble in France—whether you’re in Lyon, Paris, or somewhere else:
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