Lyon friends, put away your metro tickets… and take out your bank cards. The city of Lyon is ramping up its paid parking initiatives, and this time, it’s the 3rd, 5th, and 7th districts that will feel the impact. Starting from May 13th, you’ll have to say goodbye to free parking in several neighborhoods that have enjoyed this privilege until now. The lovely days of “I park without a worry” in Montchat, along the quay of Étroits, or in the southeast of Gerland are officially over.
.
In this new extension, it’s the west side of Montchat, at the border with Villeurbanne, that will have to pay. The same goes for the entire quai des Étroits in the 5th, and the southeast area of Gerland in the 7th, which was already targeted last December. The goal? To encourage vehicle turnover, reduce pollution, and – according to the city hall – improve the quality of life. “Regulated parking on the street is a true lever,” we’re told. A lever… that can sometimes be quite heavy on the wallets of residents.
The City Takes an Even Stronger Stand Against Free Parking
And this is not the first step in this journey. Since June 2024, a new parking policy has been implemented, with much heftier fees for residents with heavy vehicles: €45 per month for SUVs and similar vehicles, compared to €15 for lighter cars and large families. It's a way to convey the message that the city is better experienced on a bike rather than in a big American pickup truck.
Moral of the story: if you live in one of these areas, it's better to plan ahead, get your resident card, or think about swapping your car for an electric bike. Because in Lyon, free parking is becoming a rare sight.
