Caluire-et-Cuire, a town where the living is easy

North of Lyon, between the Rivers Rhône and Saône, the fourth largest commune in the “département” with 41,150 inhabitants ranks eighth in the national repertory of towns with more than 20,000 residents in relation to tax-payers subject to wealth tax. A chic and select suburb indeed, also appealing for its diverse range of urban landscapes and types of housing.

Caluire-et-Cuire can be split into several distinct neighbourhoods : Vernay, Cuire-le-Bas, Cuire-le-Haut, Bourg, Vassieux, Saint-Clair, Bissardon and Montessuy. With lots of shops, amenities and infrastructures, the area caters for all the different phases in the lives of its residents from early childhood to retirement. First making a name for itself with the arrest of Jean Moulin on June 21st, 1943, Caluire-et-Cuire has 15 primary schools, five intermediate and secondary schools. A prolongation of La Croix-Rousse, it provides over 20,200 homes, of which almost 94 % are main residences.

“Caluire-centre is currently focusing on major enhancement efforts backed by the municipality,” says Emmanuel Haillot of Orpi Caluire. New developments rub shoulders with residences 20 to 40 years old. A little further out, one discovers spread-out suburban areas : Vassieux, characterized by enviable homes built in the early 20th century, Vernay and some central neighbourhoods proposing pleasant town houses extended by gardens of 800-1,000 m2. The local authorities are also carrying out embellishment of the quaysides of the Saône and the banks of the Rhône. In time, Saint-Clair should benefit from the construction of a bridge. A series of micro-markets and the varied accommodation on offer explain the broad array of prices. 1930’s houses of 100 m2 with gardens of 1,000 m2 in Vassieux range from 4,000 to 6,000 €/m2. Some so-called “prestige” residences may well cost close on 1 million euros. An apartment of 140 m2 in a residence with parking facilities, swimming pool, cellars and terraces, is worth 420,000 €, whereas a similar example of 150 m2 will be pegged at 455,000 €. In both cases, 3,000 €/m2 is seen as a symbolic barrier. On the other hand, a small surface area such as a 1-bedroom apartment of 45 m2 in perfect condition, with an outdoor area, can attain 150,000 €. Saint-Clair posts an average price of 2,500 €/m2, though margin for progression is certainly on the cards. Slightly higher up, on the slopes, the more highly-prized roads enjoy attractive locations offering magnificent views of the plain of Lyon and Mont-Blanc. Caluire has lots of persuasive arguments, starting with its proximity by trolley-bus to La Part-Dieu and the Presqu’île, and highly-appreciated schools. Emmanuel Haillot mentions a certain sluggishness in the sector for first-time buys and adds that, overall, clients are well-informed.

“The neighbourhood around the Cuire metro, extremely close to La Croix-Rousse, is comparable to the hills of Lyon,” says Michèle Mercier of Acem Immobilier. The ultra-residential Vassieux is known for its old houses of 100 to 200 m2 with gardens of 500-1,000 m2 ranging, exceptions aside, from 400,000 to 700,000 €, depending on their surface area, condition and charm. As well as houses, Le Clos Bissardon proposes intimate “canut” buildings from 3,000 to 4,500 €/m2, the upper level applicable when the property is in good condition and offers an outdoor area. This privileged sector is doing well. Demand is steady, availabilities very scarce. The slowdown in activity mentioned above should be seen within the context of the prevalent gloominess, without causing too much concern. 80 % of sales consist of main residences, 20 % of investments. The latter tend to be balancing-acts between yield and sound asset value. More than ever, property is synonymous with safe and long-term insurance.