Introduction
Foch is the crowning jewel of Lyon’s 6th district. This former flood plain on the banks of the Rhône became a neighbourhood in 1867 when the enormous 3rd district was divided, with its wide streets and grand facades reflecting the architecture of that era. Devastating floods a few years prior rendered the area unsuitable for agriculture, paving the way for its evolution into a residential hub populated by the bourgeoise, many of whom previously 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 Parc De La Tête D’Or, with the former 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 rather significantly depending on the street. For example, apartments that are less than 90m2 but overlook the Place Puvis De Chavannes 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, mansard roofs, dormer windows, balustrade balconies and high ceilings. There are also elegant Art Deco mansions situated along the Boulevard Des Belges that offer mesmeric views of the Parc De La Tête D’Or.
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 Parc De La Tête D’Or, Cité Internationale, Part Dieu railway station, Part Dieu commercial centre, Halles Paul Bocuse and Villeurbanne. The Pont Morand, the second oldest Lyonnais crossing of the Rhône, provides accessibility to the touristic Presqu’île, where the quaint neighbourhoods of Croix Rousse and Vieux Lyon can be reached with relative 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 290-acre, triangular-shaped Parc De La Tête D’Or, the largest urban green space in the country. Amongst its assets is a boating lake, rose garden, botanical centre, 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 certainly uphold that reputation, with culinary delights like Jour De Marché, Le Théodore and Chez Les Garçons. The area is also teeming with excellent cafes, bars, bakeries and chocolatiers. Evening entertainment comes in the form of the Théâtre Tête D’Or and the UGC Astoria cinema. There is upscale retail with the presence of several deluxe brands such as Aston Martin and Finsbury. Education is well-established too, with public and private institutions including Lycée Du Parc, Édouard-Herriot and Fénelon.
Demographic
The demographic of Foch gravitates towards the older generation, some of which live in inherited properties, but the neighbourhood is also a popular choice for young families. Whilst predominantly 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 residence to offices by prominent local and overseas firms.
Outlook
Foch is a microcosm of Lyon’s dynamic property scene, with inflation 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. This is despite it being dominated by existing apartments and houses, with spatial constraints blocking the pathway for modern developments. Given the cyclical nature of the market, there is the possibility of deceleration, however with Foch likely to remain a hotspot for quite some time, the current trajectory is forecasted to continue well into the new decade.
Words by Satch Chendriah
Photo by Leonard Cotte