Introduction
Foch is the crowning jewel of Lyon’s 6th district. This former flood plain on the banks of the Rhône became a neighbourhood in1867 when the 3rd district was divided and its grand facades reflect the architecture of that era. A few years prior, devastating floods rendered the area unsuitable for agriculture, paving the way for its evolution into a residential hub populated by the bourgeoise, many of whom had inhabited the peninsula separating the Rhône and the Saône, known as the Presqu’île.
Boundaries
The north boundary of Foch is shared between the Rhône and the Tête D’Or Park, with the river also occupying the west side. Two busy intersecting roads, namely Rue Garibaldi and Cours Lafayette, demarcate the neighbourhood in the east and south respectively.
Price Range
Prices in this prestigious area begin just below the €600K mark for properties that are approximately 100m2. At the other end of the spectrum, there are listings around €3M, which measure about triple the size. However, whilst this is a rule of thumb, values vary significantly depending on the street. For example, apartments that cover less than 90m2 but overlook the Puvis De Chavannes Square or the Rhône are priced between €640K and €680K.
Housing Stock
Jean-Antoine Morand, a French architect and city planner, spearheaded the urbanisation of Foch in the late 19th century. Majestic Haussmann-style apartment buildings on tree-lined avenues characterise the area. These six to seven-storey structures feature sandstone facades, balustrade balconies, dormer windows, mansard roofs and high ceilings. There are also elegant Art Deco mansions situated along the Belges Boulevard that offer mesmeric views of the Tête D’Or Park.
Unique Aspects
Foch is set in the heart of Lyon’s wealthiest district, making it arguably the most exclusive postcode in the whole city. No other neighbourhood boasts a combination of leafy surroundings, luxury shops and gourmet eateries. Furthermore, its north-easterly location is impeccable, sitting in close proximity to the Tête D’Or park, Cité Internationale development, Part Dieu railway station, Part Dieu commercial centre and Halles De Lyon Paul Bocuse food market. Morand Bridge, the second oldest Lyonnais crossing of the Rhône, provides access to the Presqu’île, where the quaint neighbourhoods of Croix Rousse and Vieux Lyon can be reached with ease. Another distinguishing feature is the New York-esque grid layout, which has facilitated the creation of splendid public squares such as the Place Maréchal Lyautey and Place Puvis De Chavannes.
Luxury Amenities
The abundance of amenities in Foch is a major contributing factor to its desirability. The main attraction is the Parc De La Tête D’Or, the largest urban green space in the country with 290 acres. It contains a boating lake, botanical centre, rose garden, zoo and velodrome, along with a perimeter path that is frequented by runners and cyclists. Lyon is renowned as the gastronomic capital of France and the restaurants in Foch uphold that reputation, courtesy of culinary delights like Jour De Marché, Le Théodore and Chez Les Garçons. The area is also replete with excellent cafes, bars and bakeries. Evening entertainment comes in the form of the Tête D’Or theatre and the UGC Astoria cinema. There is upscale retail owing to the presence of deluxe brands such as Aston Martin and Finsbury.
Demography
The demography of Foch gravitates towards the older generation, some of which live in inherited properties, but the neighbourhood is also popular with young families. Whilst the residents are mainly French, there is a sizeable cohort of expatriates, particularly from North America and elsewhere in Europe. It is worth noting that certain buildings have been converted from residences to offices by French and foreign firms.
Outlook
Foch is a microcosm of Lyon’s dynamic property scene, where inflation runs rife due to demand outweighing supply. The city’s population proliferates by roughly 10,000 people each year, intensifying the competition for accommodation. Foch’s property value percentage rise is close to 10%, which dwarfs the 4% in the rest of the city. The neighbourhood is dominated by existing apartments and houses because spatial constraints block modern developments, making its growth all the more impressive. Given the cyclical nature of the market, there is the possibility of deceleration, but as Foch will probably remain a sought-after place for quite some time, the current trajectory should continue into the new decade.
Words by Satch Chendriah
Photo by Leonard Cotte
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