Villeurbanne, France

Capital City

With a population of 163,684, Villeurbanne is the second-largest city in the Lyon metropolitan area and the 16th most populated in France. However, this industrial hub comes with its fair share of bureaucratic headaches - the city was only recently elected as having the "best administration" in the country, suggesting persistent challenges. And while Villeurbanne has transformed from a rural community into a bustling urban center, its rapid growth has come at a cost, with a dilapidated building in the city center now serving as an informal squat. For those drawn to Villeurbanne's vibrant history and Art Deco architecture, be prepared to navigate the city's administrative complexities.