How the Metropolis of Lyon redefined local governance in the heart of France

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Metropolis of Lyon is a unique political entity that functions as both a city and a department. By merging urban management with departmental authority, this French collectivity oversees 58 communes. It represents a bold experiment in administrative consolidation, fundamentally changing how a major metropolitan region governs its own future.

Established on 1 January 2015, the Metropolis of Lyon replaced the former Urban Community of Lyon. This transition was rooted in the MAPAM law, which was enacted in January 2014 to streamline regional administration. By operating as both a metropolis and a department, the entity holds jurisdiction that effectively excludes its territory from the direct responsibility of the Rhône department. This dual status allows for a more integrated approach to managing the 533.7 square kilometers that encompass the city of Lyon and its surrounding suburbs.

The governance structure is defined by direct democratic participation. In 2020, the region held its first direct metropolitan elections, which concluded in June after two rounds of voting. These elections resulted in a victory for The Ecologists, marking a shift in the political landscape. Leadership of the metropolitan council has evolved over time; Bruno Bernard served as president before being succeeded by Véronique Sarselli of The Republicans in 2026. This leadership oversees a diverse territory where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge.

Demographically, the Metropolis is a significant hub, housing 1,436,354 people as of 2023. While the city of Lyon remains the most populous commune, it accounts for only 36.1% of the total population. The remaining residents are distributed across 58 communes, 10 of which each contain more than 30,000 inhabitants. The region is strategically positioned in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area, bordering the departments of Rhône, Ain, and Isère. This complex administrative setup reflects an ongoing effort to balance the needs of a dense urban core with the requirements of its expansive suburban periphery.

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