No advisory against travel
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Updated 2026-10-07T11:54:19Z
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Is Lyon safe? 🇫🇷
France · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Lyon scores 72/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Lyon is a generally safe city for travelers, though recent protests warrant increased vigilance. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Lyon 🇫🇷
France · Assessed 13 October 2026
72
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime63/100FairCrime index 59.5 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment59/100FairMixed
Advisories75Good
Stability76Good
Health91Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for France: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-10-13T05:27:09.2611107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
45 / 100 (Mixed)
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
521k residents
75
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
1.3 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6France1.3World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
91
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile violent crime is not exceptionally high, mugging and robbery can occur, particularly in less-trafficked areas or at night.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and busy squares.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
59/100
Reported feel45Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
While many visitors report feeling safe during daylight hours, a significant portion express concern about walking alone at night and worry about mugging or robbery.
Lyon is a generally safe city for travelers, though recent protests warrant increased vigilance.
While Lyon boasts a low homicide rate and good institutional stability, recent nationwide protests have led to some unrest. Travelers should be aware of potential disruptions and exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas.
Recent developments
- Oct 2026High school protests, some turning violent with clashes between students and police, have occurred nationwide, including in Lyon.— Reuters Connect
- Oct 2026Nationwide school protests have drawn large crowds and led to unrest, with police using teargas.— The Guardian
- Oct 2026Travel advisories mention the risk of protests and demonstrations across France.— TravelPirates
- Mar 2026A safety assessment noted Lyon as generally safe, but advised awareness of petty crime.— Travel Safe - Abroad
Common scams
- Distraction theft, often involving individuals posing as tourists or asking for directions to divert attention while an accomplice steals belongings.
- Fake petitions or charity collectors, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, who may become aggressive if refused a donation.
Full briefing
Recent nationwide protests in France, including in Lyon, have seen clashes between students and police, with teargas deployed. While these demonstrations are primarily focused on educational issues, they can lead to unpredictable disruptions and increased security presence. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and any developing situations.
Lyon itself generally maintains a good safety record, with low rates of violent crime compared to many global cities. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching remains a concern, particularly in crowded tourist areas like Vieux Lyon, Place Bellecour, and on public transportation. Visitors should be vigilant and take standard precautions to protect their belongings.
Concerns about personal safety at night are noted in traveler sentiment, with a moderate risk of mugging and robbery. It is advisable to avoid poorly lit or deserted areas after dark and to use reputable transportation. Be wary of common scams, such as distraction thefts or aggressive charity collectors, which are more prevalent in busy tourist zones.
Overall, Lyon offers a safe travel experience, but current events necessitate a heightened sense of awareness. Staying informed about local news, avoiding protest areas, and practicing common-sense security measures will help ensure a smooth and secure visit.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 7 Lyon districts for visitors, 5 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Lyon safety map.
GuillotièreavoidReported issues with drug dealing and petty crime make this area less advisable for visitors, especially at night.
Vaulx-en-VelinavoidAreas within this district have been associated with higher crime rates and social unrest; it is best to avoid.
Presqu'îlecautionBusy tourist area, prone to pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Vieux LyoncautionHistoric district, popular with tourists, requires vigilance against pickpockets and opportunistic theft, particularly after dark.
Croix-RoussecautionCan be lively, but some areas may feel less safe after dark; be aware of your surroundings.
La Part-DieucautionMajor transport hub and shopping district; watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially around the train station and shopping centers.
MénivalcautionWhile generally residential, some parts may experience higher crime rates; exercise caution, particularly after dark.
07 · After Dark
Is Lyon safe at night?
78% of people in France say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
While violent crime is not exceptionally high, mugging and robbery can occur, particularly in less-trafficked areas or at night.
After dark, be most careful around Guillotière, Vaulx-en-Velin, Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Lyon safety FAQ (2026)
Is Lyon safe right now (2026)?
Lyon is a generally safe city for travelers, though recent protests warrant increased vigilance. While Lyon boasts a low homicide rate and good institutional stability, recent nationwide protests have led to some unrest. Travelers should be aware of potential disruptions and exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Lyon safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Lyon report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Lyon should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Guillotière, Vaulx-en-Velin as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Lyon (2026)?
- Distraction theft, often involving individuals posing as tourists or asking for directions to divert attention while an accomplice steals belongings.
- Fake petitions or charity collectors, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, who may become aggressive if refused a donation.
How does Lyon compare with other places in France (2026)?
Lyon ranks #9 of 9 France destinations we've assessed, scoring 72/100. See the France safety overview for the full list.
How is this lyon safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: lyon.json (CC BY 4.0).