The centre of Lyon

The 2nd, 4th and 6th “arrondissements” form the heart of the capital of the Rhône. Listed as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage in 1999, the Presqu’île holds a torch to La Croix-Rousse and the “green lung” of the third largest city in France. Both residential and lively shopping areas, they provide all the infrastructures necessary for residents' everyday lives.

4.5 km long, the Presqu’île, or peninsula, starts at Les Terreaux, below the hill of La Croix-Rousse, at the end of the confluence of the Rivers Saône to the west and Rhône to the east. This ancient site rubs shoulders with neighbourhoods dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Rue de la République is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Place Bellecour and Rue Mercière are just as attractive. The immediate surroundings of the Perrache railway station are in stark contrast to posh addresses in the 2nd district. On the Left Bank, the 6th “arrondissement” is home to the famous Parc de la Tête d’Or, almost 290 acres of botanical gardens, a lake, zoo and rose garden, but also the Cité Internationale, Museum of Contemporary Art, convention centre, casino, many consulates and reputable schools. The 4th “arrondissement”, ie. La Croix-Rousse, is just as central. Every day of the week except Monday, its very popular market is in full swing.

“Clients targetting the peninsula are undeniably more urban, more keen on the presence of boutiques, restaurants and even antique-dealers, whereas those focusing on the 6th “arrondissement” appreciate the peacefulness of La Tête d’Or, the recently up-graded banks of the Rhône and the quality of the schools. Businessmen and those working in industries on the east side of Lyon are drawn by its easy accessibility,” explains Anne Dervault of the Sorovim agency. In the 6th, accommodation is more recent and offers more options. The 2nd “arrondissement” has to deal with streets that are sometimes very narrow, very few terraces and buildings that suffer from being overlooked. However, its old buildings can lay claim to incomparable charm, as well as magnificent views of the Saône and Rhône. 3-bedroom apartments of 110-120 m2 priced between 450,000 and 550,000 € are the main targets. Demand outstrips supply, which explains the very steady prices. Especially since this year conditions for obtaining credit are relatively flexible and interest rates at their lowest.

“According to a recent article in “Le Progrès”, the Presqu’île posts an average price of about 4,200 €/m2, as does the 6th “arrondissement”. Though the first of the two has several niche markets,” comments Sophie Aknine of AK.SO Conseils. New apartment buildings in Les Confluents can reach 5,000 €/m2. Offering prices around 3,800 €/m2, L’Ainay is characterized by a severe lack of parking facilities, a shortage of available properties, and its residents’ passionate commitment to this neighbourhood with local shops, good schools and public transport services. Currently, an exceptional example with a terrace in a residence that has just risen from the ground is being marketed at 4,800 €/m2. Located between Place Bellecour and Les Terreaux, Quai Tilsitt costs close on 6,000 €/m2, provided that the property is in top-notch condition and proposes a garage, a high floor and a sublime panoramic view. The Quais Saint-Antoine and Les Célestines, posting prices from 4,500 to 6,000 €/m2, are just as sought-after. Perrache is the only address offering lower rates. It is very popular among Parisians transferred to Lyon and looking for liveliness, and seniors wanting to be within walking distance of all amenities, particularly from Savoy. Similarly, residents of the Presqu'île would not leave it for the world. Thanks to residences built in the ’seventies and new ones on the drawing-board, the 6th has a wide array of offerings. Then, while fans of the green park neighbourhood may frequent the Presqu’île on a daily basis, they appreciate a more tranquil environment for their homes.

Sandra Viricel of Actuel Transactions notes steady demand for the 2nd, 6th and 4th “arrondissements” from first-time buyers and investors in search of small surface areas. A gross yield of about 4-5 % is not enough to win them over. On the other hand, they have the assurance of a long-term investment. Rental demand is strong, with seasonal operations more and more frequent. Stylish apartments in La Croix-Rousse, ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 €/m2, are very well-suited to this particular use. Unlike the quaysides, Les Pentes and Le Plateau have lots of fans. In parallel to this phenomenon, buyers are looking for generous surface areas to accommodate their families, though they come up against a worrying lack of adequate properties here in the centre. Some fall back on the 3rd Préfecture “arrondissement”, comparable from many points of view to the 6th.

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