Being a newcomer in the city is both exciting and intimidating. Imagine, you are all settled in your apartment with luggage unpacked, and then you go hungry or can't wait to go out! Even worse, you don't know where to start, and you are not ready to ask around « Parlez-vous Anglais ? ». Don't worry; we got you! All you need is your mobile, a good internet connection and our list of tried and tested apps to get you started with your Lyon exploration.

1. Citymapper

Citymapper is on top of our list for a reason. Like in pretty much all map-based apps, you need to enter where you want to go then the app proposes you several ways of getting from point A to point B plus estimated travel time. But Citymapper's best feature is that it accurately reflects the intervals or frequency of the subway (or metro as how Frenchies call it). As Lyon has a well-connected metro line, this is basically what you will need the app mostly for.

2. Lime

As metros can be packed during peak hours, mostly around 8 am and 5 pm due to people going to and coming back from offices, why not try one of those neon green-colored electric scooter bike scattered all over the city? This is what you can use the Lime app for. Once you have the app, scan the QR code on the electric scooter, put on the helmet, and ride away to your destination! Just scan the QR code again to lock up the scooter once you arrived and don't forget to park it responsibly for the next user.

3. Deliveroo

Since Lyon is a gastronomical city, our list includes not one but two food-related apps! First up is Deliveroo. As soon as you downloaded the app, all you need to do is enter your zip code, and it will show you a list of all the great restaurants delivering in the area. Just choose your food and place your order. We love this app for two things: you can track your order on your mobile and place a food delivery 24 hours in advance. How cool is that?

4. La Fourchette

You feel fancy and want to go out on a Friday night, but all the restaurants you walk into are full? La Fourchette is the app for taking the headache away in making restaurant reservations. You can even book a reservation without a fixed date yet! They also run exclusive promos, and as a member, you earn points each time you complete a booking. So the more you eat, the more points you earn!

5. Le Monde

Le Monde is the classic app to be updated in everything « français.» The 75-year old publication covers French politics, economics, and culture extensively. If you haven't made a move to Lyon yet but foreseeing it in the future, reading Le Monde is an excellent way to get a feel of the current state of the country. The newspaper version is also probably the only French newspaper available in the non-French speaking countries.

To get a complete list of the apps, we highly recommend plus practical tips, essential French phrases, and exclusive offers, order our Lyon Welcome Guide now!