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We believe finding your place in a new city should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

At Sojoourn, we help international clients make Lyon feel like home.

Whether you're looking to rent, buy or simply find your feet in a new city, we combine local knowledge with personal support to make the journey easier, clearer and more human.

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Emmanuelle

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Founder & Business developer

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Jessica

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Relocation specialist

Emmanuelle is French, but she was born to be a globetrotter. After living in Mexico and Argentina and experiencing her best years abroad, she found herself thinking about how to create a welcoming experience for expats in France. In 2018, after working as a chemical engineer for 5 years, she quit her day job and founded Sojoourn. She wants everyone to feel at home in France, no matter where they come from.

Jessica has been calling Lyon home for over 15 years, and by now she knows the city inside out. She can guide you based on your personal situation, your family needs, and your professional life. Having been married to an American for 15 years, she also understand the stress and challenges that come with relocating to another country. She knows how overwhelming such a big life change can feel, and she'll be there to reassure and support you every step of the way.

Why we exist

Moving to a new city should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

A new country comes with excitement but also questions.

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Where should I live?

How does the French rental market work?

Which neighbourhood actually fits my lifestyle?

Can I start looking for a home before I arrive?

And if I'm buying, where do I even begin?

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Information exists everywhere.

But what people often need isn't more information.

They need someone local they can trust.

That's why Sojoourn exists.

We help you understand Lyon, navigate the housing market and make confident decisions about your new life here.

What we believe

Local knowledge changes everything.

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You can search for apartments online.

You can read neighbourhood guides.

You can Google how buying or renting in France works.

But some questions need a local answer.

Is this street actually quiet?

Would I enjoy living in this neighbourhood?

Is that apartment worth visiting?

Does this area make sense for the life I want in Lyon?

That local perspective is at the heart of what we do.

More than finding a property.

We're here to help you find your place.

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A home is obviously important.

But feeling at home is bigger than your apartment.

It's knowing your neighbourhood.

Having your favourite boulangerie.

Understanding how things work.

Meeting people.

Building routines.

Starting to belong.

That's also why the Sojoourn community and our ApéroExpats events still matter to us.

Because once the boxes are unpacked, life in Lyon actually begins.

Whether you're moving next month, considering buying here in a few years or simply starting to explore the idea of life in Lyon, we'd love to hear your story.

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