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Lyon, France outlet shopping : best spots & VAT refund tips (2026)

Sandrine Collet

Sandrine Collet

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4 min. - 4/3/2026


Where to find outlet shopping in Lyon, France ?

Looking for designer labels at discounted prices while visiting Lyon? Between flagship malls, independent stock shops and a major outlet village just 30 minutes away, the Lyon area is one of the smartest places in France for bargain-hunting travellers.

This guide covers the top outlet destinations near Lyon, the brands available and for non-EU visitors how to get a VAT refund through Zapptax.

Planning to shop beyond outlets ? Read our full guide to shopping in Lyon, France to discover the best stores in town.

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Key takeaways
  • The Village – Le French Outlet in Villefontaine is the main outlet destination near Lyon, with over 135 premium and luxury brands at 30% to 70 off year-round.
  • Labels such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Boss, Sandro, Maje, Lacoste and Galeries Lafayette Outlet are all present on site.
  • Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on eligible outlet purchases using the Zapptax app, making discounted prices even more attractive.

The Village – Le French Outlet : Lyon's premier outlet destination

Located at Villefontaine, The Village is the standout outlet near Lyon. Opened in 2018 and designed by architect Gianni Ranaulo, the open-air centre blends contemporary design with lush and landscaped walkways.

With more than 135 stores spanning fashion, sportswear, leather goods, beauty and homeware, The Village targets the premium and luxury segment. Collections from previous seasons are offered at 30% to 70% off recommended retail prices, all year round, not just during the French national sales periods.

Opening hours : Monday to Friday, 10 am – 7 pm ; Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm. Some Sundays are open throughout the year.

📍Parc du couvent - 38090 Villefontaine

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What to expect at The Village : brands, food & services

Fashion & accessories highlights

The brand roster covers everything from French ready-to-wear to international labels. Highlights include Polo Ralph Lauren, Sandro, Maje, Ba&sh, The Kooples, Claudie Pierlot, Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Zadig & Voltaire.

Sportswear fans will find stores from Lacoste, Superdry and more. A dedicated Galeries Lafayette Outlet brings a department-store edit under one roof.

For leather goods and accessories, look out for Lancel, Furla, Lancaster, Samsonite and Le Tanneur.

Dining & the Bocuse connection

Lyon is France's gastronomic capital, and The Village leans into that reputation. Among several restaurants and cafés, Rendez-Vous Bocuse Original Comptoir stands out, a casual dining concept from the legendary Bocuse family.

Angelina, Bistrot Colette, Paul and a range of other options round out the food offer.

More outlet-style deals in central Lyon

Travellers who prefer to stay in the city centre can also find discounted shopping without the drive to Villefontaine. Lyon's main shopping districts include department stores that run regular promotions:

  • Galeries Lafayette Part-Dieu and Printemps Lyon both offer seasonal sales, loyalty discounts and occasional private-sale events for international visitors.

  • Several independent shops are scattered across Lyon's Presqu'île, selling end-of-line pieces from French brands at reduced prices.

How to get a VAT refund on your outlet purchases ?

Outlet prices are already a great start, but non-EU travelers can save even more by claiming back VAT on eligible purchases made in France.

The standard tax-free threshold is over €100 including VAT, and Zapptax makes the process much simpler. Instead of depending on each store to handle the paperwork, shoppers can upload their invoices in the app, generate a compliant tax-free form, and validate it at a PABLO kiosk or Customs before leaving the EU.

Even better, Zapptax lets travelers combine purchases from multiple shops, making it easier to unlock their refund and keep more of their shopping budget.

Conclusion

For outlet shopping, The Village, near Lyon, is the obvious place to start. With a strong mix of brands, year-round discounts, and the chance for non-EU visitors to claim back VAT with Zapptax, it is an easy way to make a shopping trip in Lyon even more worthwhile.

FAQ
1. Is there an outlet mall near Lyon, France?

Yes. The Village – Le French Outlet in Villefontaine is the main outlet centre near Lyon. It hosts more than 135 stores and is located roughly 25 minutes from the city centre by car or 18 minutes by train from Lyon Part-Dieu.

2. How do you get to The Village outlet from Lyon centre ?

The fastest options are the A43 motorway (exit 6, Villefontaine) or a regional TER train from Lyon Part-Dieu to La Verpillière. Free shuttle buses run on selected weekends from central Lyon.

3. Can tourists get a VAT refund at outlet stores in Lyon ?

Yes. Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases made in Lyon, France. The Zapptax app handles the process digitally : upload your invoices, get the tax-free form, validate at a PABLO kiosk and receive the refund to your preferred payment method.


About the author

Sandrine Collet
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Head of Marketing & Communication at Zapptax

Sandrine has over 10 years of experience in international scale-ups and the retail industry. Passionate about marketing, consumer behavior, and the evolving retail landscape in Europe, she leads Zapptax’s brand and acquisition strategy. Curious, connected, and always ready to travel, she combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to elevate the customer experience.


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