Jogging/running etiquette in France/Lyon?

Question

I'm traveling to Lyon for eight days in a few weeks, and I'd actually like to continue my exercise/running habits. I know that there are a couple of parks that are supposed to be great running areas, but I'm staying in Presqu'ile and therefore not that near any of them. Is it rude/improper to run on city streets or sidewalks? I could probably follow the wider walkways near the rivers, but I really don't want to be a jerk or run over pedestrians. Any ideas? Merci en advance! :)

Answer 1

My French mother-in-law is a big runner and I'm pretty sure there's no difference between our jogging etiquette and theirs.  People jog on the sidewalks and such.  I'm not sure about jogging in the little narrow streets but it's probably fine as long as you move to the side when cars come.

Hopefully someone else will have some first hand experience to share.  Enjoy the trip!

Answer 2

Run where you like, that's the French attitude.

The French don't have the same concept of personal space as we do, nor do they give a monkeys about anyone but themselves. Joggers will often swear at pedestrians who don't get out of their way, as if because they are disciplined enough to exercise they are some kind of special being. French cyclists use the sidewalks too, and get really annoyed if you make them stop by not jumping out the way.

Answer 3

Hey, I'm from Lyon

It's true it's not the best way to do exercice running in a big city downtown.

If you're living in the presqu'île, you will be close to the Rhône river bank. these river banks have just been redone for walkers, runner, skater and cyclist. It links the two big parks : "Parc de la tête d'or" (gold head park) at North and the Skate Park Gerland at South.

So , from the presqu'île you'll just have to accross a bridge over Rhône river and go to the west side bank river.

And if it's too crowd, I suggest you to rent a velo'v : with bus network, there are now bikes that you can rent for few anywhere in the city, you can take a bike for rent downtown and ride to big park where you can leave the bike to become pedestrian.

it would be a good warming-up before running in the park.

of course you can also use the subway or the bus

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