Today, France’s second city is a fascinating mix of architecture, cultures and people. One of the most charming districts in town is the Vieux Lyon area lying between the west bank of the Saône and the Hill of "Fourviere". Broken into three villages, Saint Jean, Saint Paul and Saint George, Vieux Lyon is home to the largest collection of Renaissance buildings in Europe. Its narrow winding streets are filled with "Bouchons" - small Lyonnais Restaurants for which the city is famous - as well as street performers, cafes, pubs and the workshops of local artists, craftsmen and sculptors. Take a saunter up one of the quaint Montées that meander up Fourviere and you will eventually arrive at the colossal Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Basilica that towers over the city. Climb to the top and take in the spectacular view of the city and its rivers. Just beyond the Basilica is the fascinating Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation, which features Roman artifacts found in the Rhône Valley. The larger of the two Roman amphitheatres next door to the museum is used for various cultural events including music concerts, both classical and modern.

The fact that the city is split in between the Rhône and the Saône rivers makes the city unique, and at first you never know on which riverside you really are!

• The French tend to speak at a closer distance than some other cultures. Backing away when someone is talking to you is considered rude.
• Chewing gum in public is seen as vulgar.
• Slapping an open palm over a closed fist or snapping your fingers is offensive and obscene.
• Yawning in public or patting someone on the back is considered rude and unacceptable.
• Do not put your hands in your pockets when in public.
• Eating while walking down the street is frowned upon although you will still see people doing this.
• The "O.K." sign (forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger) means "zero" or "useless" in France.
• Women acquaintances greet each other with alternating kisses on the cheeks. And it's common for men to embrace, so don't be surprised.
• Talking with your hands in your pockets is perceived as a sign of bad manners.
• Blowing your nose in public is also considered unacceptable.
• Today, the courtesy title "Mademoiselle" is rarely, used and should be avoided.
• For casual contacts such as waiters, titles such as "Monsieur" or "Madame" will do fine. When entering a store or restaurant, you may say "bonjour" or "bonsoir", and "au revoir" upon leaving.
• When you speak their language, be gracious if the French correct your mistakes in grammar or pronunciation.
• It is highly recommended that you learn some basic French and use it whenever you can.

1. The work permit application is submitted by the hiring company in France. Following approval by the French Labor Department, the applicant's file is transferred to the French Embassy or Consulate in the employee's country of residence. A long-stay visa is then issued by that embassy or consulate.
2. Then, the expatriate has a mandatory medical check-up upon arrival in France.
3. If the previous steps are completed successfully, the residency permit is granted by the Préfecture (Police Department).

• valid passport
• 4 photos (in standard French passport size, which is a bit smaller than the American one)
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate (if applicable)
• employment contract
• latest salary slips
• apartment/house lease or latest electricity bill or phone bill. (Note: One can sign a lease if in possession of a solid work contract, even if his/her Resident Permit has not yet been officially issued)

1. a valid passport with the proper (long stay) visa
2. a Resident Permit (or Carte de Séjour) issued by the Prefecture

• Passport or an identity card for the European Union
• Resident card for outside of the European Union
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income
• Proof of status (student card, work contract)

• If you intend to own a car and require a parking space, then you may want to live on the outskirts of the city. Most of the old buildings in the city center don't have parking.
• Access to public transport: If you want to live in the city, but your place of work is outside the city, check the public transport connections before you decide where you want to live, especially since driving in and out of Lyon is not recommended due to parking restrictions. For more information no public transportation in Lyon, check out the website listed below.
• You may wish to avoid areas which are considered to be unsafe. Contact Crown Lyon for more details.

• Provide first month’s rent and a security deposit equivalent to two months rent. The security deposit is typically refunded at the end of your lease agreement provided that the property is left in the same condition as when you moved in.
• If you rent an unfurnished property through a real estate agent, you will have to pay a fee which corresponds to approximately 6% of the annual rent plus 19.6% sales tax (usually 80% of one month’s rent). There is no fixed law about this, but this is typically the norm. If you rent a furnished property, the cost is usually double this amount.
• If applicable, notary fees may be insisted upon by the landlord.
• You will need to pay tenant liability insurance by law before prior to moving in. This amount depends on the area, size and floor of the apartment. That insurance is usually not too costly.

NOTE: Type E receptacles will also accept Type C plugs. Type E plugs will also work in Type F receptacles.

Type C - Round pin attachment plug Type F - "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts

• Cite Scolaire Internationale -
• Greenfields - French and English bilingual nursery and primary private school
• Ombrosa - a private bilingual school for French and English speaking puplis, linked to the French education system and open to international pupils. The primary education section of the school is under state control.
• West Point