Business trip to Lyon, France.
Greater Lyon has a thriving entrepreneurial scene. This scene has been supported by the actions of partners in the "Lyon Ville de l’Entrepreneuriat" programme (part of the Grand Lyon, l’Esprit d’Entreprise programme), aimed at raising public awareness about business start-ups and supporting projects at every step of the way.
A competitive location and gateway to the world, Lyon attracts more and more companies and talent every year. Lyon holds all of the keys to your business success.
The Rhône-Alpes region is one of the European Union’s largest, wealthiest regions. The Rhône-Alpes region’s GDP is three times higher than the average European GDP. Ranked sixth among the Union’s 204 regions, its GDP is higher than that of Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxemburg or Portugal. The region is three times larger and three times more populated than the average region in Europe.
Read more...Rhône-Alpes, France’s top region for international companies:
* 915 firms with foreign capital with over 50 employees
* France’s second-ranking region for listings (147 listed companies)
* 82 headquarters of companies and agencies with over 1.000 employees
1.500 decision centers of companies are set up in the region of Lyon, including Sanofi Aventis, bioMérieux, Groupe Seb, Renault Trucks, Bayer CropScience, JTEKT, Scotts International.
International institutions in the region of Lyon: Interpol, Euronews, the International Cancer Research Center, the WHO, one of only two bio-safety level-4 laboratories in Europe, 70 consular representations.
Lyon is becoming a force on the European convention and exhibition scene with the building in 2006 of a 3000-seat conference hall at the Cité International. Lyon also hosts internationally renowned events such as BioVision, the International Vaccine Convention, Pollutec, SIRHA and many others.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names and academic titles.
Business and private are not mixed.
French are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness, but questions can be very direct.
Learn some key phrases French.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
First appointments are more socially oriented, French would like to know you a bit better at first.
A lot of time can be spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Wineglasses will be refilled when not full, so keep some lots of wine in your glass.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
With a GDP of approximately € 1,65 trillion, France is the world’s sixth-largest economy. It has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base, and a highly skilled work force. A dynamic services sector accounts for an increasingly large share of economic activity and is responsible for nearly all job creation in recent years. Real GDP increased by 0,8 percent in 2008. According to different sources, projections for 2009 GDP would show a decrease of 1 to 1,5 percent.
France is a member of the G-8, the European Union, the World Trade Organization and the OECD, confirming its status as a leading economic player in the world.
France is the second-largest trading nation in Western Europe, after Germany. France had a record-setting € 49 billion deficit in calendar year 2008. Total trade for 2008 amounted to € 772 billion, 75.0% of which was with EU-24 countries.
Government economic policy aims to promote investment and national growth in a stable fiscal and monetary environment. Creating jobs and lowering the high unemployment rate through recovery-supportive policy has been a top priority. The unemployment rate in metropolitan France slipped to just over 7% in the fourth quarter of 2008. Unemployment is expected to increase in 2009.
Despite major reform and privatization over the past 15 years, the government continues to control a large share of economic activity: Government spending, at 53 % of GDP in 2007, is among the highest in the G-7. Regulation of labor and product markets is pervasive. The government continues to own shares in corporations in a range of sectors, including banking, energy production and distribution, automobiles, transportation, and telecommunications.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 65.073.482 |
| Area | 543.965 km² |
| Population density | 115/km2 |
| GDP | € 1128,88 billion |
| GDP per capita | € 17937 |
  | Product tip: Keep an eye on the size of your trolley Many luggage stores sell suitcases described as ’carry-on’, but these suitcases are sometimes larger than the size most airlines will accept. The safe maximum size is 114 cm, in the form of a 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag. Some airlines allow up to as much as 140 cm, but most do not. Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers seldom tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches). |
The full name of the airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, after the aviation pioneer and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The airport is 20 kilometers east of Lyon in Colombier-Saugnieu.
Address
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
BP 113
69125 Lyon
France
Telephone: +33(0)426 007 007
Fax: +33(0)4 7222 7471
Email: relations-publiques@lyon.aeroport.fr
www.lyonairport.com
Airport codes
IATA airport code: LYS
ICAO airport code: LFLL
Lost property
Centre de Services et d’Information
Tél. +33(0)826 800 826
Monday through friday between 9:00h. and 17:00h.
Terminal information
There are two terminals, between which is the central shopping and service area. A shuttle bus also goes between the two terminals. Lyon Airport processes about 6.5 millions travelers per year, which makes it the fourth busiest airport in France.
Connectivity
Train
Within walking distance from the terminal is a station where the high-speed TGV trains stop. There are connections with Paris and Marseille (tel: +33(0)8 3635 3535).Work is being carried out to build a fast tram/subway connection between Leslys and the center of Lyon.
Taxi
Taxis are in front of Terminal 1 (tel: +33(0)4 7855 3431). A ride to Lyon costs approximately €40.00, to Eurexpo €35.00 and to Grenoble €115.00, between 19:00-7:00 the rates are substantially higher.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Lyon.
There are a number of reputable taxi firms in Lyon that can be called and booked or hailed from any street for travel to destination where there is no metro, bus or tram line, or if visitors prefer the convenience of taxi travel.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Lyon Taxi Prestige | Tel: +33 6 87 97 47 90 |
| Taxis Lyonnais | Tel: +33 6 19 58 78 74 |
| Taxis Savoie | Tel: +33 4 79 54 91 17 |
With its three high-speed TGV train stations (Part-Dieu, Perrache and Airport), Lyon quickly serves downtown Paris (1 hour 55 min. – 37 round trips a day), the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 hour 54 min.), London (4 hours), Brussels (3 hours 45 min.) as well as Marseille (1 hour 37 min.), Montpellier (1 hour 45 min.) and Nantes (4 hours 20 min.).
The Lyon-Turin Transalpine railway project, scheduled for completion in 2015, is a vital link in the rail line connecting Eastern and Western Europe. Upon completion, Lyon and Turin will be only 2 hours apart, enabling the rapid transport of 7 million passengers and 50 million tons of freight per year between these two cities. In the longer term, Lyon will be linked to Milan, Barcelona and Frankfurt by high-speed TGV rail lines.
Brasserie Georges
Built in 1836, this brasserie is one of Europe’s oldest and finest. With friendly faces and old, traditional attire, the wait-staff is sure to make your dining experience a pleasant one. You will find incredible seafood dishes and sauerkraut, as well as delicious traditional Lyonnaise selections. The locals would probably tell you that you should not leave Lyon without trying out Brasserie Georges! If you are on a business trip to Lyon, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
30, cours de Verdun
Lyon, FR 69002
Tel 4-72-56-54-54
www.brasseriegeorges.com
Cazenove
This elegantly decorated restaurant offers fine regional dishes and a pleasant dining environment. The inside is adorned with burnished bronze and stained glass. You can have anything from two to 30 in a private lounge dinner party. The house specialties include gratin of oysters with spinach and braised rabbit with endive cider.
75, rue Boileau
Lyon, FR 69006
METRO: Place Guichard.
Tel: 4-78-89-82-92
www.le-cazenove.com (Only in French)
Restaurant le Passage
At Restaurant le Passage, you can choose from three different atmospheres: the restaurant, bistro, or private lounge. You also choose from six different menus with prices already set. Chef Christian Bacque is sure to make your dining experience a pleasure with his creative dishes of seafood, veal, and foie gras. He recommends the seafood dishes, such as the lobster and the cod, above all else.
8, rue du Plâtre (traboule)
Lyon, FR 69001
METRO: Hotel de Ville
Tel: 78-28-11-16
www.le-passage.com (Only in French)
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Lyon.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Lyon it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Lyon.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Hilton Hotel Lyon
Overlooking the River Rhone and right next to the Congress Center, the Hilton Lyon hotel is 5 minutes’ drive from Lyon attractions and businesses which is very convenient during a busy business trip. The Hilton Lyon hotel has 16 meeting rooms, an Executive Lounge, business center and wireless internet access in all public areas.70 Quai charles De Gaulle
Lyon 69463
Tel: +33 (0)4 78175050
More info about Hilton Hotel Lyon
Best Western Saint Antoine
The Best Western Saint Antoine is located in the heart of the presquile, in a house built during the 18th century between the Rhone and the Saone. Completely renewed with the hotel adds the modernity of the privative spaces and the common authenticity of the common space. Saint Antoine is the perfect base for business travelers.1, Rue du Port du Temple
Lyon, 69002
Tel: +33 (0)4 78929191
More info about Best Western Hotel Saint Antoine
Mercure Lyon Wilson
Entirely renovated NON SMOKING rooms with the latest in modern decor. Features broadband WiFi Internet, LCD TV, mini-bar, safe, feather bed and air conditioning. Bathrooms with bathtub and hair dryer.6 Rue Mazenod
69003 LYON
Tel : +33 (0)4 78609494
More info about Hotel Mercure Lyon Wilson
Lyon is home to one of Europe’s largest shopping malls, the Centre Commercial in the Part-Dieu district.
The baffling maze of escalators, fountains and staircases is brimming with such leading French chains as the music and audio superstore FNAC, the Galeries Lafayette department store and a host of smaller boutiques. The remarkable glass-domed building offers three floors of shops and cafes and is a good place for shopping on a rainy day during your business trip.
Théâtres Romains de FourvièreThe Théâtres Romains, a Roman theater-odeum-temple complex, is in a park south of the basilica in Lyon.
Lyon’s Roman theater is the oldest in France, built by order of Augustus from 17 to 15 BC and expanded during the reign of Hadrian.
The odeum, reserved for musical performances, was once sumptuously decorated. Its orchestra floor still contains mosaics of marble and porphyry.The 3rd building was a temple dedicated in 160 AD to the goddess Cybele, or Sibella. Only the building’s foundations remain.
For 3 centuries, this quarter was at the center of the collective life of the city. It was abandoned in the 3rd century A.D. Little by little, the monuments, used as quarries disappeared from the landscape. Their remains were brought to light and restored during the course of the first half of the 20th century.
As for the amphitheater, it was constructed on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse hill.The Grand Theater’s original design encompassed 89m in diameter and held 2 tiers with each tier seating 4500 audience members. Both an upper covered walkway and a lower walkway were later converted to create a third and fourth tier of seats, bringing the capacity to 10000 people.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| Service | Telephone |
| Medical help/SAMU: | 15 |
| Police/Police Nationale: | 17 |
| Fire & accident/Sapeurs Pompiers: | 18 |
| SOS - all services (calling from a mobile): | 112 |
There is no guarantee that any English will be spoken on any of these emergency and helpline telephone numbers.
In case of a medical emergency:
When you are in Paris and you are in need of medical help you can go to the American Hospital of Paris - 63 boulevard Victor Hugo - 92200 Neuilly-sur-SeineTelephone: 33 (0)1 46 41 25 25 - Fax: 33 (0)1 46 24 49 38
French is a descendant of the Latin language of the Roman Empire, as are national languages such as Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Romanian and minority languages ranging from Catalan to Neapolitan and many more. Its development was also influenced by the native Celtic languages of Roman Gaul and by the Germanic language of the post-Roman Frankish invaders.
In history most French refused to speak any English. Nowadays the yournger generation speaks quit good English.
Some French phrases can always come in hand....
| How are you? | Comment ça va? |
| I’m fine, thanks. And you? | Ça va bien, merci. Et vous? |
| What’s your name? | Comment est-ce que vous vous appelez? |
| My name is ... | Je m’appelle ... |
| Pleased to meet you | Je suis enchanté(e) |
| Good day | Bonjour |
| Good evening | Bonsoir |
| Good night | Bonne nuit |
| Goodbye | Au revoir / À bientôt |
| Have a nice day | Bonne journée ! |
| Bon appetit | Bon appétit ! |
| Cheers/Good health! | À votre santé ! |
| I don’t understand | Je ne comprends pas |
| Please write it down | Pourriez-vous me l’écrire ? |
| Excuse me | Excusez-moi ! |
| How much is this? | Ça coûte combien ? |
| Thank you | Merci beaucoup |
| You’re welcome | Je vous en prie |
| Where’s the toilet? | Où sont les toilettes ? |
| How do you say ... in French? | Comment dit-on ... en français ? |
| Yes / No | Oui / Non |
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