Lyon, a paradise for pedestrians? This is exactly what The Economist confirms, ranking the city 5th in the world for its "walkability." Translation: it’s one of those metropolises where everything is just a hop away on foot. This distinction is certainly noteworthy in a world where soft mobility is becoming a key quality-of-life criterion.
The study, carried out by experts from Sony Computer Science Laboratories in Rome, analyzed over 10,000 cities by calculating the average time needed to access essential services on foot: schools, hospitals, shops, and restaurants. The result: Lyon snags a gold medal in urban walkability, with an average access time to infrastructures of just 7.4 minutes, and 93% of the population living within a radius where everything is accessible in 15 minutes on foot.
Lyon, the most pedestrian-friendly city in France and the world
No surprises here, the podium is mostly European. Milan takes the top spot with an almost perfect score: 98% of its residents can do everything within 15 minutes! Following closely are Dublin, Turin, and Copenhagen, with Lyon shining brightly in the global top 5. Paris comes in 7th, ahead of Marseille (8th) and Bordeaux (15th), proving that France knows how to be pedestrian-friendly.
This isn't the first time Lyon has stood out in this category. Back in 2024, Le Parisien named it the best city in France for walking, ahead of Lille and Grenoble. But seeing Lyon shine internationally confirms that its human-scale urban planning is a real strength. Bordered by two rivers, sprinkled with cobblestone alleys and lively squares, the city provides an ideal setting for urban stroll enthusiasts.
And it's not about to stop anytime soon: with the expansion of pedestrian areas, the development of the "city 30" plan, and the gradual pedestrianization of the riverbanks, Lyon continues to focus on soft mobility. A city where you can do everything on foot is a city where life is good, and Lyon proves it beautifully.