Pharmacies in Lyon for English speakers

Good to Know

Lyon has plenty of pharmacies, especially along Rue de la Republique and around Place Bellecour in the Presqu'ile area. The green cross sign is the same across all of France. Pharmacists here can advise on minor problems and tell you when to see a doctor.

Prices are the same as elsewhere in France. Over-the-counter basics cost a few euros. Sunscreen and baby products are also sold at pharmacies and tend to be high quality.

For after-hours needs, Lyon's pharmacie de garde system works the same as in Paris. Check the door of any closed pharmacy to find the nearest one on duty, or check 3237.fr or call 3237 (0.35 euros a minute). The City of Lyon lists two pharmacies open at night. One is the Grande Pharmacie Lyonnaise, 22 rue de la Republique (metro Cordeliers, 04 72 56 44 00). The other is the Pharmacie des Gratte-Ciel, 28 avenue Henri-Barbusse in Villeurbanne (metro Gratte-Ciel, 04 78 84 71 63). Call before you go. Before you go to an out-of-hours medical center (maison medicale de garde), call 15: a doctor on the line tells you where to go. For kids, ask for the pediatric versions of common medications. Doliprane pediatrique (paracetamol) and Advil enfant (ibuprofen) are two different medicines, and both are sold without a prescription.

Pharmacists in central Lyon speak some English, particularly around Presqu'ile and Part-Dieu. In outer arrondissements, French is the default. Having the medication name written down speeds things up.

French pharmacies are well-equipped for children. Doliprane (paracetamol) comes in precise weight-based dosing. The pharmacist will ask your child's weight and age. Baby formula, diapers, and Mustela products are standard stock.

If you're in Lyon and need a doctor or a hospital right now, travel-ER shows the closest ones and the local emergency number. Opening hours can be wrong, so call before you go.