Metropolis of Lyon: The Heart of Grand Lyon
Located in the east-central region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the Metropolis of Lyon (known in French as Métropole de Lyon or Grand Lyon) serves as a vital economic and administrative hub in France. This unique territorial collectivity functions as a directly-elected metropolitan authority, integrating the central city of Lyon with its surrounding suburban areas to streamline governance and urban development.
Unlike many other urban areas, the Metropolis of Lyon holds a special administrative status. It exercises jurisdiction as both a metropolis and a department (a second-level administrative division of France), which means its territory is managed independently from the broader Rhône department.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Total Population: 1,436,354 (as of 2023).
- Economic Power: A metropolitan GDP of €98.429 billion (2021).
- Administrative Reach: Comprises the city of Lyon and 58 suburban communes.
- Geographic Area: Spans a total of 533.68 km².
- Governance: Led by the President of the metropolitan council.
Administrative Evolution and Governance
The current structure of the Metropolis of Lyon was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the former Urban Community of Lyon. This transition was mandated by the MAPAM law, enacted in January 2014, which aimed to modernize metropolitan governance in France.
The region is governed by a metropolitan council. While the first direct elections in 2020 resulted in a victory for The Ecologists under Bruno Bernard, the leadership transitioned in 2026 to Véronique Sarselli of The Republicans, who currently serves as the President of the metropolitan council.
Territorial Composition
The metropolis is a collection of 59 distinct entities: the central commune of Lyon and 58 surrounding suburban communes. While the metropolis as a whole is vast, the city of Lyon proper houses approximately 36.1% of the total population.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Regional Statistics and Demographics
The Metropolis of Lyon is one of the most densely populated and economically significant regions in France, ranking 11th in terms of population. Its strategic location and administrative autonomy contribute to its high GDP and urban density.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
| Total Area | 533.68 km² |
| Population (2023) | 1,436,354 |
| Population Density | 2,691.4/km² |
| Metro GDP (2021) | €98.429 billion |
| Department Number | 69M |
| Time Zone | UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 (CEST) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the city of Lyon and the Metropolis of Lyon?
The city of Lyon is a single commune (municipality) located within the Metropolis of Lyon. The Metropolis (Grand Lyon) is a larger territorial collectivity that includes the city of Lyon plus 58 other suburban communes.
Who currently leads the Metropolis of Lyon?
The President of the metropolitan council is Véronique Sarselli of The Republicans.
What is the MAPAM law?
The MAPAM law is the legislation enacted in January 2014 that led to the replacement of the Urban Community of Lyon with the current Metropolis of Lyon structure on January 1, 2015.
How does the Metropolis of Lyon relate to the Rhône department?
The Metropolis of Lyon has jurisdiction as both a metropolis and a department, which excludes its specific territory from the direct responsibility of the Rhône department.
What is the population density of the region?
The population density of the Metropolis of Lyon is 2,691.4 people per square kilometer.