Lyon, true to its reputation as a city that never really sleeps, is making headlines once again. According to a new study conducted by BrokerChooser, the capital of the Gauls snagged the silver medal for the most dynamic cities in France in 2025, just behind Toulouse. And if the attractiveness and resilience score doesn’t raise an eyebrow (0.502, mind you), the investment figures hit like a punch: 371.2 million euros injected in 2024, marking a whopping 364% increase from the previous year. Yes, you read that right!
Despite appearances, Lyon is still in vogue
This impressive leap is no stroke of luck. Prime geographic location, a rich entrepreneurial fabric, and an endless capacity to innovate: Lyon ticks all the boxes to attract investors and businesses.talents and skills in search of fertile ground. While 88% of the 53,680 jobs created in 2024 are concentrated in just nine departments, Lyon is making its mark away from the Paris spotlight. The 2024 Olympics effect? Maybe a little, but the city is mainly relying on solid internal growth.
In contrast, Toulouse holds the top spot thanks to its always impressive economic vitality, despite a drop in investments. But Lyon is on the rise. Fast. And strong. Far from the clichés of a "museum city", it is establishing itself as a key economic hub, equally appealing to startups and industrial giants. And in its wake, other cities are shining bright: Lille and Rennes in particular, but also Bordeaux, which is making a comeback on the podium with a 122% increase in investments. The lesson? Urban dynamism is decentralizing, and Lyon is one of the finest examples of this.
Source: BrokeChooser
