Moving to Auvergne Rhône Alpes: a life in the open air

The Auvergne Rhône Alpes region offers a beautiful quality of life in a very welcoming environmental setting. In the heart of mountain landscapes, volcanoes and large expanses of greenery, the region allows you to breathe. The dynamism of its cities such as Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry, Clermont Ferrand or Valence attracts more and more people on the move, ready to change their life! Moving to Auvergne Rhône Alpes means enjoying a life in the fresh air.

Why settle in Auvergne Rhône Alpes?

Based on public data on regional well-being, and supplemented by feedback from newcomers supported by the platform, the "Bien-vivre" tool offers numerical data on 11 previously defined criteria. According to the Bien-Vivre tooltool, the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region is a territory that attracts many young working people but also families looking for economic dynamism but also a good quality of life.

The labour market, employment and income

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is the second largest economic region in France. It has a strong and diversified industrial sector, characterised by electronics/digital, energy, mechanics, chemicals and textiles. It should be noted that it is the 2nd French region in terms of employment.

At the moment, the sector to focus on is the health and social sector. Jobs in this field are in high demand. On the digital side, companies are also looking for web developers, project managers, etc.

However, the more "traditional" sectors are not left out.Transport and logistics provide jobs especially in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand. Tourism is also and always will be a major employer in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: it is rich in winter sports resorts, leisure facilities, etc. 

Quality of life

The environment

The Auvergne Rhône Alpes offers a wide range of destinations, with the city of Lyon, capital of gastronomy, the Mont Blanc, the Auvergne with its lakes and volcanoes. You will appreciate its unique and preserved landscapes!

And to put on your skis, you will be close to the famous resorts of the Alps: Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isère... It is a real nature paradise with 9 regional nature parks, 2 national nature parks... From the Northern Alps to the Massif Central, up to the Jura mountains, the region offers an incredible diversity of mountainous landscapes

It is also the region of the great lakes: Lake Geneva or the Lake Annecy are the best known. But what would the region be without its volcanoes? The puy de Dôme or the puy de Sancy are places that contribute to the richness of the region's landscape!

To settle in Auvergne Rhône Alpes is to take advantage of a quality living space. The extent of the natural spaces and forests, and its cultural heritage make the region an attractive destination. 73% of the region's inhabitants say they are happy, and 67% are satisfied with the balance of their personal, family, social and professional life in the region.

Education and health

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes academic region is the best rated region in France. It includes the 3 academies of : Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble and Lyon. Chambéry, Lyon and Grenoble offer a variety of comprehensive and renowned training courses, including in grandes écoles and universities. Health is also very accessible in the region.

The community

The region is home to 10 AOP vineyards, three of which are world famous: Beaujolais, Côtes-du-Rhône and Savoie wines. It offers the largest cheese board with 21 AOCs and two "cheese routes". The inhabitants of the region do not hesitate to share this incredible gastronomy with newcomers. Why not have a meal together after a day of sightseeing or winter sports?

In terms of culture, Lyon has an excellent reputation: many of the city's monuments are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as internationally renowned festivals (Fête des Lumières). Meet Fanny and Béatrice, Switch Up ambassadors in Grenoble and Clermont Ferrand. They will be delighted to welcome you in their beautiful cities.

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Services and security

The region is the 3rd in France in terms of access to services. The TGV serves many cities in the region, all located in the Rhone Valley or in the Alps. The journey time between Lyon and Paris is 2 hours and between Lyon and Marseille 1 hour 40 minutes. It is also one of the world's leading ski areas, and is close to Switzerland and Italy. Finally, 70% of Auvergne residents feel safe in their region.

Housing

As far as housing is concerned, the health crisis has not slowed down the attraction of the large Lyon metropolis. Prices are on the rise, although they are much lower than in Paris, for example. Living in the centre of Lyon represents a budget. On the other hand, in the suburbs, prices are more affordable. Cities such as Grenoble, Clermont, Saint Etienne, Valence and Chambéry, which are equally dynamic, are increasingly attractive and affordable. Finally, Annecy, known for its rather high prices, also explains the cost of its real estate by its proximity to Switzerland.

Are you moving to Auvergne Rhône Alpes?

Be accompanied by Switch Up during your installation in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

5 towns in Auvergne Rhône Alpes where it is good to live

Lyon

How can we not talk about Lyon...In addition to being a very pretty city, it offers a very pleasant living environment. It has charming little corners such as the Croix Rousse district (a real little village in the city!) and Vieux Lyon. The Parc de la Tête d'Or is a must-see. And what would Lyon be without its quays? You can walk or cycle along them.

The gastronomy of the region is represented in the bouchons lyonnais, or other small typical restaurants. The city is also rich and lively, and offers many shows, exhibitions and museums.

Lyon is ideally located geographically speaking, and very well served (2 hours by TGV to reach Paris, 1h40 to Marseille) 

For fresh air, the Alps are less than two hours away (35 ski resorts within 2 hours drive). 

 Finally, the city is known for its economic dynamism and its numerous job opportunities!  

Grenoble has the particularity of being located in the middle of nature , cycling has become the most popular means of transport in the city.

The presence of the mountains and the large green spaces can only do you good

The city is very dynamic, particularly in the innovation, nanotechnology and research sectors. The medical and university centres are also well developed.

In terms of culture, the city offers numerous theatres and concerts of all kinds. You will also appreciate its well-developed community life and its nice evenings in its beautiful neighbourhoods. You can enjoy the incredible living environment around the city. The mountainous landscape allows you to breathe, even when you live in the city.

Chambéry

Chambéry, the capital of Savoie, is very popular thanks to its geographical position, which makes it a real European crossroads. It is a very dynamic city which is evolving strongly.

Chambéry is a city on a human scale. The town centre is very pretty, and it is particularly pleasant to stroll around, shop, have a coffee, or eat out. Chambéry is located at equal distance from Grenoble and Annecy, i.e. about 40 minutes.

The university and its numerous courses make Chambéry one of the cities of Auvergne Rhône-Alpes where it is good to live and study.

And what about the city's incredible environment? It offers direct access to lakes and mountains, beautiful countryside, and natural parks.

Annecy is a beautiful city, well known and much appreciated by travellers. It is a very lively town. The setting of the famous lake is perfect for jogging, cycling and rowing. The city's scenic beauty and love of the mountains are the main assets that newcomers emphasise. 

The town has charm, it is particularly clean and safe. The town centre is all the more beautiful: cobbled streets, coloured houses, flowers and charming little shops...Nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", you will enjoy a quiet stroll.

It isimpossible to talk about it without mentioning its turquoise lake and its mountains, which offer sportsmen and women a wide range of possibilities: skiing, paragliding, parachuting, diving, boating and countless hikes... Something to relax about at the weekend or after a busy day at work.

Clermont-Ferrand

Living in Clermont-Ferrand means above all benefiting from the many advantages of a metropolis on a human scalewhile enjoying a magnificent natural environment. The city is located near the Puys mountain range and two regional nature parks.

Today, it is a dynamic city in full economic expansion, and its strategic position plays a role in this notable growth. It is also a student city with a lively cultural life. Its exceptional living environment, in the middle of nature, is attracting more and more mobile people.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the many outdoor sports in the volcanoes and mountains: skiing, paragliding, rafting, hiking, cycling, etc.

So, have you decided? The Auvergne Rhône Alpes region is for you?

Switch Up will help you settle in thanks to our local network of ambassadors. Administrative procedures, finding accommodation, schools, discovering the area or integrating, our ambassadors from Auvergne and Rhône Alpes will be delighted to welcome you. Our ambassadors in Nantes will be able to share with you all the information you need to settle in Auvergne Rhône Alpes!