Originally from London, Jonathan Davis is an artist (making paintings and 3D installations) who has lived in Lyon since 2021.
John appreciates Lyon's cultural sceneJonathan Davis
"I love Lyon because it's very beautiful. I'm an architect and urban designer by training so I appreciate that. I love the fact that it has two rivers. I mean, Paris only has one.
The location is advantageous; close to the Alps for skiing, easy for Geneva, the non-stop TGV gets to Paris in two hours, and it is sometimes called 'the gateway to the south of France' because Marseille isn't far.
Great for artists
"Lyon has a rich and diverse cultural offering. The Maison de la Danse is great, there are numerous theatres and an opera. There's a very good concert hall. The Biennale de la Danse alternates with the Biennale d'Art Contemporain."
This year the Biennale de la Danse runs from September 6-29.
Advertisement
"The annual Nuits Sonores festival at the end of May highlights all kinds of electronic music, and the Musée des Confluences has interesting exhibitions.
"As an artist, I enjoy the visual arts offerings, the Beaux Arts in the centre, MAC Lyon (the contemporary art museum) in the modern Cité Internationale. The new Grandes Locos venue, converted from an SNCF maintenance depot in Moulins, is wonderful.
Excellent public transport
"I really appreciate the excellent public transport system which means although I have a car I don't use it. because the public transport is very good.
"The urban management is impressive in Lyon. They make nice public spaces, there are plenty of cycling paths, parks and gardens, and the waste management is efficient. The city is very clean.
"There is currently a plan to pedestrianise the central area between the two rivers called the 'Presqu'île. Retailers are complaining of course, but I think it will increase footfall."
