Lyon 2 as seen by AK.SO Conseils

A central neighbourhood home to flagship addresses such as Place Bellecour, Quai Tilsit and the Place des Jacobins, the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon is attracting growing interest on the part of buyers. Interest which has led to to significant price rises, especially in the case of prestige properties. Up-date on a market undergoing real expansion, with Sophie Aknine, manageress of Ak-So Conseils.

For many years less sought-after than the 6th arrondissement, the 2nd has made a widely noticed breakthrough on the property market and has now stolen the starring role. Central and very well connected, it comprises the very core of Lyon’s cultural life and offers the walk-everywhere lifestyle so popular among city dwellers. Sophie Aknine, manageress of Ak-So Conseils, describes its many assets and the boom it is experiencing. “The 2nd arrondissement offers prime locations appreciated by discerning buyers. In particular, the city’s two main squares, Place Bellecour and Place Antonin Poncet, with prestigious apartments now pushing prices to 8,000-9,000 € per sq.m. Then there are the banks of the Saône with Quai Tilsit and Quai Célestins, as well as the Grolée neighbourhood, benefiting from renovation of the Hôtel Dieu, and the Ainay area which is seeing a boom. Near good schools, this family neighbourhood is quiet but offers lots of food shops and amenities. You can find large apartments here, from 180 to 300 m2. Over the past few years, the town’s development and economic liveliness have taken prices higher. We recently sold an apartment of 330 m2 on Quai Tilsit for 2.5 million euros. Lyon’s attractiveness is constantly growing and the market is very active. For prestige properties and new high-quality developments, prices easily attain 10,000 € per sq.m ; values which apply, however, to a niche market comprised of renovated properties offering high-spec appointments and clear views.”

Cabinet AK.SO Conseils, 38 rue des Remparts d’Ainay, Lyon 2 et 14 rue Auguste Tramier à Écully (04 78 42 88 87). www.aksoconseils.com

On an upper floor in a magnificent building dating back to 1897 with imposing communal premises, this family/reception apartment offers all the charm of yesteryear including moulded ceilings and wood panelling. Not overlooked, it offers living space of 313 m2 comprised of a vast entrance foyer leading to 2 receptions rooms, a dining-room, kitchen, utility room, 4 bedrooms incuding a vast master suite, a large bathroom and 2 shower rooms. Entre 1 et 2 M €.

On an upper floor in a magnificent building dating back to 1897 with imposing communal premises, this family/reception apartment offers all the charm of yesteryear including moulded ceilings and wood panelling. Not overlooked, it offers living space of 313 m2 comprised of a vast entrance foyer leading to 2 receptions rooms, a dining-room, kitchen, utility room, 4 bedrooms incuding a vast master suite, a large bathroom and 2 shower rooms. Entre 1 et 2 M €.

Following experience in corporate real estate and working as a partner in an estate agency, Sophie Aknine founded AK.SO Conseils in 2007. It now has a second branch in Ecully.

Following experience in corporate real estate and working as a partner in an estate agency, Sophie Aknine founded AK.SO Conseils in 2007. It now has a second branch in Ecully.

Renovated by an architect and benefiting from an outstanding location at the heart of the Presqu’île de Lyon, this prestigious apartment of 348 m2 in an 18th-C. building opens out to two balconies and offers remarkable views. Not overlooked, it is comprised of a kitchen area opening out to a large living-room with ceilings over 4 metres high, a lounge-library, a master bedroom and 4 refined suites. A storage room and garage complete the property. Entre 2 et 3 M €.

Renovated by an architect and benefiting from an outstanding location at the heart of the Presqu’île de Lyon, this prestigious apartment of 348 m2 in an 18th-C. building opens out to two balconies and offers remarkable views. Not overlooked, it is comprised of a kitchen area opening out to a large living-room with ceilings over 4 metres high, a lounge-library, a master bedroom and 4 refined suites. A storage room and garage complete the property. Entre 2 et 3 M €.