Air Quality in Lyon
Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes — 69
522,250 inhabitants
42 of 60 cities
Standard deviation: ±11 points
Based on 350 measurements
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Air quality in Lyon: what you need to know
Lyon, France's third-largest city and capital of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, has an air quality profile shaped by its geography. Located in a basin at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, the city experiences thermal inversion phenomena in winter that trap pollutants at ground level. Heavy road traffic, particularly on the A7 motorway that crosses the metropolitan area, is the primary source of NO2 and fine particles. The Presqu'ile and Croix-Rousse slopes benefit from better air circulation than left-bank neighborhoods near the motorway. The Part-Dieu district, highly urbanized, shows above-average pollution levels. Conversely, areas near Parc de la Tete d'Or and the heights of Fourviere perform better. The Lyon metropolitan area implemented a Low Emission Zone in 2020 and is investing heavily in public transport and cycling infrastructure. The average ImmoGrade for Lyon is 62/100, with a standard deviation of 11 points reflecting the disparities between neighborhoods.
Main pollutants in Lyon
Main pollutants: NO2, PM2.5, PM10, O3
Traffic-related NO2 and fine particles PM2.5 are Lyon's main pollutants. The basin configuration promotes pollutant accumulation in winter during thermal inversions. Summer ozone is also a concern. PM2.5 levels frequently exceed WHO thresholds during winter episodes.
PM2.5 — Fine Particulate Matter
Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers. From traffic and heating. Penetrate deep into the lungs.
Key pollutantPM10 — Coarse Particulate Matter
Particles smaller than 10 micrometers. From traffic, construction, and erosion. Irritating to airways.
Key pollutantNO2 — Nitrogen Dioxide
Gas mainly from diesel engine combustion. Direct indicator of road traffic. Respiratory irritant.
Key pollutantO3 — Ozone
Secondary pollutant formed by chemical reaction under sunlight. Peaks in summer. Causes respiratory irritation.
Key pollutantSO2 — Sulfur Dioxide
From combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels. Found near industrial and port areas.
CO — Carbon Monoxide
Odorless gas from incomplete combustion. Linked to road traffic and faulty heating systems.
Neighborhood comparison in Lyon
Air quality varies significantly between neighborhoods. With a standard deviation of ±11 points, two addresses in Lyon can show very different scores. Only an address-level report reveals the actual air quality.
Impact on real estate in Lyon
In Lyon, properties near Parc de la Tete d'Or enjoy an additional 5-10% premium linked to air quality. Elevated residential neighborhoods (Fourviere, upper Croix-Rousse, Caluire) are sought after for their better air quality. Conversely, properties along the A7 motorway or in the eastern industrial zones suffer a discount. The ImmoGrade report is particularly relevant in Lyon where air quality gaps between neighborhoods are significant.
Health tips related to air quality
Check the ImmoGrade for your address before buying or renting a property.
Sensitive individuals (children, elderly, asthma sufferers) should be particularly cautious in areas scoring below 50/100.
Choose homes away from major roads and near green spaces for better indoor air quality.
Ventilate your home early in the morning or late in the evening, when pollution levels are lowest.
National Ranking — Top 5
| # | City | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brest | 82/100 |
| 2 | Lorient | 78/100 |
| 3 | La Rochelle | 77/100 |
| 4 | Bayonne | 76/100 |
| 5 | Ajaccio | 75/100 |
Air Quality in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes
Frequently asked questions about air quality in Lyon
Why does air quality vary so much in Lyon?
Lyon's basin geography creates winter thermal inversions that trap pollutants. Elevated neighborhoods (Fourviere, Croix-Rousse) are better ventilated than valley-floor areas. Scores range from 50 to 75/100 depending on the neighborhood.
Which Lyon neighborhoods have the best air quality?
Areas near Parc de la Tete d'Or, the heights of Fourviere, and upper Croix-Rousse have the best scores. Neighborhoods away from the A7 motorway also rank better.
Is Lyon's Low Emission Zone improving air quality?
The LEZ implemented in 2020 progressively bans the most polluting vehicles. Early measurements show a 5-8% decrease in NO2 in central areas. The effect should grow as restrictions tighten.
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