Sustainable tourism in Lyon
Lyon has been chosen with Helsinki as the European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2019. This award was given in recognition of the city's accessibility, digital transformation,
dynamism and respect for heritage. In order to better respond to the need for sustainable development, the Convention Bureau has joined the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) and the 2021 GDS-Index placed Lyon in the top position for France and 7th position in the world. ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions has achieved ISO 20121 certification.
The eco-friendly Conference Centre
The Cité Internationale was designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The pavilions are lined with terra-cotta and glass. This “double skin” allows for bioclimatic control of the building fronts for energy savings of 25%. The Conference Centre is ISO 20121-certified.
The Confluence district eco-centre
This new centre lies on 150 hectares of wasteland that has been redeveloped with eco-friendly buildings. All of them comply with rigorous environmental requirements.
Parks and gardens
Whether heritage or more urban, Lyon’s parks are the city’s life force. Parc de la Tête d’Or, Parc de Gerland, Parc des Hauteurs and the Rosary garden invite visitors to take a stroll or enjoy a walk.
Sustainability initiatives
Sustainable urban development enables new practices, by integrating technological innovations (resource sharing, waste reduction and facilitated access to essential services, such as health, education, culture, etc.)
- Vélo'V: self-service bicycle rental
Lyon residents have been provided with a fleet a selfservice bicycles, known as Vélo’V. There are already 750km of bicycle lanes and 428 Vélo'v stations in the city. - Cyclopolitain: The vehicle, driven by young drivers called Cyclonauts, is a tricycle fitted with powerful electrical assistance and can transport two passengers.
- Car sharing: available 24 hours a day at self-service stations is growing rapidly, as is access to self-service electric cars (Citiz LPA)
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport achieved carbon neutrality in 2017, reaching level ACA 3+ of the Air Carbon Accreditation, a greenhouse gas reduction scheme.
