Is Lyon Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Lyon, as one of France's largest cities, is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Stricter safety measures are in place and the city is well-policed. There are some areas you should avoid late at night, but the majority of the city, particularly the tourist areas, are safe and welcoming. Local people are friendly and willing to help if needed. Hospitals and police are responsive and trustworthy.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Lyon?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Overall, Lyon is reasonably safe during the night. Like any other city, Lyon has areas that are very safe and others that are less so. It's always important to stay in well-lit areas and avoid deserted streets. Of course, it pays to keep a vigilant eye on your surroundings and maintain typical urban precautions. Public transportation runs late into the night and it's always a good idea to use it when possible, especially on weeknights when the streets aren't as populated.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Lyon comprises of Metro, Tramways, Buses and Bikes which are all well-maintained, timely, and efficient, hence making it an extremely safe city for solo female travelers to navigate. The city has extensive and convenient public transport networks that offer a sense of security and confidence to commuters. Also, Lyon's transportation system is well monitored and citizens are generally respectful and law-abiding. However, like any city, it's always important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In general, Lyon is a city that is friendly towards solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are relatively low compared to other major cities, with the majority of locals being respectful and courteous. That said, like in any city worldwide, there may be isolated incidents, mostly in less crowded or poorly lit areas; hence necessary precautions are advised. As always, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and stay vigilant of your surroundings.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

While Lyon is generally considered a safe city to travel solo, it's not entirely free from petty crime. Visitors may occasionally encounter theft, especially in crowded tourist areas, and pickpocketing on public transportation. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious in crowded and tourist-heavy areas.

Is Lyon worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 8 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.4/5

Safety

3.6/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5
Danielle

Danielle

Canada

Solo travel

Felt really safe, especially in vieux lyon and along the river. I felt safe walking around alone, even with headphones in. However, be aware of pickpockets on the subway. The food was amazing, fresh food everywhere and inexpensive. Le musée des confluences is an absolute must! The river rhône is beautiful. Vieux Lyon and the roman ruins are fascinating

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

It is overall a nice city, I was living there for a year. But it is very unsafe, specially the area of the Guilliotiere. I would highly recommend that you go with someone else in the city and not alone as a girl. We had a lot of cases of sexual assaults and harassment.

Posted: June 30, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Group travel

Lyon feels safe and warm , it‘s one of the most beautiful places i have ever visited . There are plenty of good restaurants , so it‘s a good destination for a culinary excursion . Public transport is not expensive and there are a lot of museums that you can visit

Posted: June 9, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Renata

Renata

Brazil

Couple travel

We went to France in 2010, in Lyon. We had a Very good experiente there. While my husband worked as an invited university teacher, I was walking around the city. Lion is a very interesting city, with so many good atractions as you had a good time to explore It... I loved to visit the greco romano places Just like the museun , the coliseu and the ancient theatre ... It's amazing. I walked around 7 floors and neither realized It! Very close there IS the famous ancient Iglise de Fourviere.. The city has the famous "trabuilles" just like a Net between the medium age constructions... I visited too the museum of Gobellain, a tapestry museum, the puppet museum and the house of Lumiere brothers... Even the charmosos Bouchons, little restaurantes, with very generous portions of food, in a Very acessible prices, are precious!... Walk by the rivers is a very nice experience with many frenchs caffes... I loved this experiencie ...Lyon is a wonderful city... I Will put pictures, as soon as I can...

Posted: April 30, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Beautiful city!! I met people at my hostel (Le Flaneur) and was able to adventure through the city with them. Spent a lot of time on my feet, but every road had something beautiful to see. Would not recommend Walking alone at night - encountered several aggressive drunk people.

Posted: June 9, 2023Experienced: May, 2023
favorite_border 3
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

A very interesting city, especially if you are interested in food. I encountered some of the most diverse menus there. I liked the pubs and sightseeing walks.

Posted: March 6, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Lyon safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 35 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 35 local experiences

Would say Lyon is very safe. Metro is safe day and night. Just beware of pickpockets. Maybe avoid Guillotière and train station area (Perrache and Part Dieu) at night if alone cause it’s sometime a bit shady, but not dangerous.

Posted: February 2, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

I think Lyon is like a lot of big city. When it’s dark you must be aware because of drunk people. But you have to be must aware in public transport due to the sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour or words.

Posted: January 30, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Lyon

Laurene

Laurene

About Me

I am a 26 years old med student. Love traveling, especialy by myself, cinema, art and coffee. I can cook but only vegetarian dish. I lived in Lyon my all life and I ´ m completely in love with it.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Romane

Romane

About Me

Hi! My name is Romane, I’m a psychology student in Lyon this year. I am passionate about psychology but i also love to meet new people, music, going out, art and culture in general :) I would love to give some advice and show some local places to the girlies traveling in Lyon ! <3

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Lyon

Chloé

Chloé

Lyon

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello ! My name is Chloé, I'm a 28 year old french-Perivian who loves traveling!🌍🌎🌏 I' ve started traveling alone a few years ago, but i love meeting people wherever i go ! I have hosted myself but haven't had the chance to be a guest yet ! I'm more of a city girl but while i travel i love going to smaller places as well :) I'm a bit of hobby collectioner, I love readind, sewing, embroidery, crochet and basically all things craft 🤣

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Mathilde

Mathilde

Lyon

Can host for:

7 days

About me

I’m Mathilde, à 21 year old French student who loves traveling, I love meeting people from different countries as well!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Lyon

Anique

Anique

About Me

Hii, I am 19 years old and interested in gaing new experiences and meeting new people. I am calm and sometimes bit shy . I like being active, creative and like games. Have 3 dogs and I love them and I volunteer at animal rescue service. And open to host if neccesary

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in France