I have been working in Lyon and can say that the best things about Lyon (and would say that the rest of France probably have similar things going for it):-
Food (Lots of steak, and even salad is good there )
Cheese (much better than what the export to the UK)
Wine (decent bottle of wine is much cheaper)
Women (99% of women in Lyon are stunning)
Weather (Last 2 months temp not dropped below 35deg)
Eating Outside when it is warm
On the downside:-
Cars (I was forced to hire a Renault Kangoo!!!)
French languauge (They insist on speaking to me in French, and I don't even look French!!)