It's official: Lyon is the most responsible city in France according to the GDS-Index 2025. This ranking, a true global reference for sustainable tourism, rewards metropolitan areas that commit to a greener and more supportive model. The tourism office OnlyLyon celebrated this victory, a symbol of strong commitment to a human-sized city focused on quality of life and sustainability.
A spectacular rise in the global ranking
Lyon jumps seven places to snag the 8th position globally. An impressive leap that places it ahead of European giants like Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, and Basel. In the "Central & Southern Europe" category, the city ranks right at the top. This performance proves that between the Rhône and Saône, we’re not just talking about gastronomy, but also urban ecology and social innovation.
The GDS-Index evaluates cities based on four main pillars: environment, social, providers, and tourism governance. In simple terms, it's not enough to have bike lanes and green hotels to shine: it requires a global and coherent policy. Lyon ticks all the boxes thanks to its actions to reduce carbon emissions, promote short supply chains, and raise awareness among visitors about more respectful tourism.
International recognition for OnlyLyon
For OnlyLyon, this distinction confirms the city’s UNESCO status as a global reference for responsible tourism. It's a wonderful showcase for the metropolitan area, proving that you can attract millions of visitors each year while respecting your territory. Lyon thus leads the way for more conscious, balanced, and inspiring tourism—a model for all.;le that many other great cities could take inspiration from.