We continue our exploration of the Lyon neighborhoods seen by their inhabitants. Today, we give the floor to Cécilia who has lived in the Saint-Louis district for 1 year.
Living in the Saint-Louis district is a bit like finding a small village in the heart of Lyon. When I arrived in Lyon and was looking for accommodation, I was told a lot about the north of the 7th arrondissement as a lively, practical and pleasant area.
While wandering around this area, I fell under the spell of Place Saint-Louis which had all the attributes of a small provincial town. I managed, not without difficulty, to find accommodation nearby and after a year of living here, I decided to share with you my experience and my impressions of this corner of Lyon which deserves to be known. Come on, let’s take a little trip through the streets of Saint-Louis!
What I like
Neighborhood life with a village atmosphere
From the first days, I was charmed by the warm and friendly atmosphere that reigns in Saint-Louis. Here, everyone knows each other (or almost) and there are plenty of local shops. Between the bakery which perfumes the street with its fresh pastries, the market producers who always recommend the best fruits and vegetables, and the little café where I like to sit to work or simply watch people go by, I quickly got into my habits.
Neighborhood life is punctuated by markets on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, aperitifs on the terrace and neighborhood parties. It’s a real little village where life is good, far from the frenetic hustle and bustle of the Presqu’île. And yet, we remain just a stone’s throw (or rather 2 metro stations) from the very center of Lyon. We meet students, young professionals, families… A nice melting pot which contributes to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood.
A young and trendy atmosphere, but not too much
Saint-Louis is not immune to all the hype and gentrification that is plaguing the 7th arrondissement of Lyon. But the phenomenon remains limited. Bars, restaurants and trendy boutiques are popping up everywhere, but there are still old PMU bars and boutiques in their original state. Nothing to do with the entire Jean-Macé/rue Chevreuil sector which has definitively become Lyon’s Boboland.
In short, there is something for everyone, like the shelves of the unmissable Super U which offers both slightly chic culinary products and classic food at first prices.
Many facilities nearby
In terms of practicality, it’s difficult to do better. The area is very well served by public transport, with metro line B which allows you to quickly reach Part-Dieu or Gerland or line D which takes you to the city center in three minutes and in little more in the Old Town. – Lyons. The area has a post office, several medical practices and a supermarket. There are several Vélo and Citiz stations for travel outside the neighborhood.
Blandan Park, located 10 minutes away on foot, is a major asset. This immense green space is perfect for relaxing, playing sports or simply taking a breath of fresh air. With its playgrounds, sports fields and vast lawns, it is an essential meeting place for the residents of the neighborhood (you have a good chance of meeting me there having a picnic on sunny days .
What I like least
The price of housing
The main disadvantage remains the price of housing. This is the problem of all of Lyon, you will tell me, but it is strongly felt here. Because of all the assets that I mentioned above, the neighborhood is very popular with families and young professionals. Rents can quickly rise, despite rent controls. There are few offers, so it’s very complicated (but not impossible) when you have a low salary or are a student.
It’s not very beautiful
If the atmosphere is really pleasant, the architecture is nothing sensational, unlike other districts of Lyon. A few old Canuts-style buildings, constructions from the 70s and a few new soulless residences. Many of the buildings are dated and the central square, which serves as a parking lot, could do with a serious facelift. A redevelopment of this space into a more friendly and aesthetic place would really be welcome.
The underlying misery
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the social misery that can be present in certain streets. Even if the neighborhood is generally safe and pleasant, we sometimes come across people in difficulty, which reminds us that the city and life are not always kind to everyone. Recently, Béguin Park saw the appearance of around ten tents, set up by young migrants without housing solutions. The Saint-Louis district attached to Guillotière has always been a welcoming “land” for people trying to find a better life in France and this is (and must continue to be) part of its identity. But I prefer to approach this subject to give you all the facets of the neighborhood.
Verdict
Despite these few drawbacks, living in Saint-Louis remains a great idea! Neighborhood life, the young and dynamic atmosphere, as well as local shops and facilities make you forget the disadvantages. What I particularly like is that you can find everything you need there. You can therefore go out to party, do your shopping, play sports, get cultured, chill out on the terrace without needing to go far and do everything on foot. It’s a neighborhood where you quickly feel at home, where every day brings its share of discoveries and encounters. So, if you are looking for a nice place to put your suitcases or boxes in Lyon, Saint-Louis could well be your next destination. Come on, see you soon in the 7th!
My favorite addresses
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