Lyon, France
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Lyon.
Modern development at the rivers' confluence. Contemporary architecture, sustainable buildings, riverside dining. Safe, family-oriented, some nightlife. Lacks the historic character of older Lyon neighborhoods - planned and new rather than organic and old. Good if you're into contemporary urban design.
Confluence is at the tip of the peninsula where the Rhône and Saône meet. Modern urban development - futuristic buildings, the Musée des Confluences with its glass structure, sustainable housing, green parks. Mixes residential, offices, and leisure including a shopping complex with 30 restaurants, 10 with terraces overlooking the Saône. Aimed at young professionals and families, safe and family-oriented day and night. Le Sucre is a rooftop spot on top of La Sucrière with river views, hosts music events, cocktails run €10-13. The Navigône river shuttle that started in 2025 connects Confluence to Vaise - scenic way to get around. English is understood at the international restaurants and newer places. Solo dining doesn't stand out at the contemporary restaurants where you get business travelers and design-focused locals. Doesn't have the historic feel or traditional Lyon character of the older neighborhoods - this is planned development, not an organic community that grew over time. But it's safe, modern amenities, riverside walking. If you care more about contemporary design and waterfront dining than historic French atmosphere, this works.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Felt safe, families around and everything is well-lit"
"Le Sucre rooftop had good views and atmosphere"
"Architecture is interesting but doesn't have the historic Lyon feel"
"Restaurants had river views, staff spoke English"
"Clean and modern but felt kind of sterile compared to the old town"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Lyon's bohemian district with art studios, vintage shops, and cafes where working alone is normal. Feels like a real neighborhood with a village vibe. You'll need to handle hills and basic French helps since less English is spoken here. Safe, walkable streets.
Lyon's main shopping and business district. Safe, well-lit, active day and night. Lots of dining options, bars, clubs. More expensive and less local-feeling than other areas, but convenient and easy to navigate. English is commonly understood.
Residential, upscale, quiet. Built around a large park with a zoo and botanical gardens. Very safe but doesn't have much nightlife or dining variety - you'll go to other neighborhoods for that. More expensive. Good if you want somewhere calm to stay.
Help other women stay safe in Confluence
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.