Lyon Motorbike Show

For a long time overshadowed by its big brother in Milan (EICMA), the Lyon Motorcycle Show has some serious arguments to make, and over the years has established itself as a major player among specialist trade fairs for two-wheeled vehicles.

[updated Jan 2025]

The organisers have announced that the Swiss Moto Festival, which took place in Bern earlier this year, will not be reopening in 2025, at least in its current form. No doubt due to a number of factors:

• An industry that’s in a bit of a slump – see our analysis of the Swiss market in 2024.
• Manufacturers who are increasingly reluctant to shell out the big bucks to have a presence at these events.
• And manufacturers who are communicating through other channels, notably social networks.

And that’s a shame! Because we remain convinced that a real fair, aimed primarily at an audience with specific needs/interests, would have its place in Switzerland.

And even if, as things stand, the organisers are leaving some doubt as to whether the 2025 event will take another form, it has to be said that Swiss bikes will be left a little disappointed, at least those who enjoy attending this kind of event.

Whether it’s to find out what’s new, take the pulse of the market or simply have a good time with other enthusiasts.

But there is still a glimmer of hope, as the Lyon two-wheeler show will be held as it has been for over 30 years.

And since Lyon is a reasonable distance from Switzerland, even more so if you live in the Lake Geneva region, travel shouldn’t be a problem.

In this article, we will review the elements that argue in its favour and that should convince you to plan a visit this year. And to finish, since we are never short of good tips, we will give you some hotel and restaurant recommendations to make sure you have a smooth stay.

We’ll conclude with a photo gallery to illustrate what we mean. Ready to go? Then hop on!

Lyon Motorbike Show

Let’s state the obvious: the city of Lyon

Let’s start with a truism, the city itself. Situated just a stone’s throw from Switzerland, easily accessible by road or public transport, Lyon has many charms to offer.

First of all, it is the capital of French gastronomy, and a well-known website, TripAdvisor not to name it, lists nearly 2,800 options for eating out: traditional Lyon bouchons, small neighbourhood addresses, the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, and haute gastronomy.

But Lyon also has a lot more to offer and this trip should allow you to combine a visit to the show with a food/shopping/touring escapade.

So why not combine the pleasant with the enjoyable?

See you at the end of the article for our recommendations and good tips.

Lyon Motorbike Show

The fair in itself

But let’s now take a look at the show itself, as that’s what it’s all about.

Launched in 1993, the show has gone from strength to strength over the years. And it has gradually established itself as a key event on the European scene. And it has no reason to be ashamed of its main competitors, notably the EICMA in Milan.

In this respect, a few elements deserve to be highlighted and strongly plead in favour of a visit.

Prices

The prices go up every year, which is a bit of a shame. The organisers are well aware of their growing popularity. What’s more, they enjoy an increasingly dominant position, with some of the more regional shows having since closed their doors.

So, with competition less fierce, they may feel a little freer to raise prices.

On our first visit in 2019, pre-sales were €14 and tickets purchased at the venue were €16.

For the 2025 edition, we’re looking at €18 (pre-sale) or €20 on the spot. That’s an increase of 28% in 5 years.

A WE pass will cost €30, and admission will be free for children under 10. Finally, there’s a discount for students, senior citizens and the unemployed, and the ticket price will be €15.

However, we strongly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance to avoid queuing at the ticket office.

Please note that the press days are also open to the general public. Also, you will have the possibility, and we recommend it, to go during the week, outside the big crowds of the WE.

The venue

With its 140,000m2 of available space, Eurexpo Lyon offers a very pleasant set-up to its visitors, since everything is on one level, divided into 5 halls. This gives an impression of freedom. You can visit the show in complete peace of mind, without having the impression of being oppressed like in other venues.

However, this may be a slight bias, as we usually go on Friday.

Access is relatively easy if you go by car, but a bit more complicated if you go by tram from the city centre. It takes about 30-45min with a change.

The exhibitors

You can count on the presence of most, if not all, of the manufacturers, but also of the equipment suppliers. It is true that these manufacturers present their new models mostly at EICMA, but we would not be surprised if they also reserve the possibility of doing so in Lyon in the near future.

Moreover, each year, thematic retrospectives are organised by the different clubs and federations of France: the Dakar or Le Mans bikes, the cult bikes of the films. Or all the evolutions around the same emblematic model. In short, we sometimes feel nostalgic, and in Lyon, it is the history of motorcycling that is also presented.

And it is also there that we realise how strongly the motorbike culture is embodied in this country. And that is good to see, while our passion is often decried by more and more detractors.

Customs, and sale of clothing/accessories

A space is also dedicated to custom bikes. And these sometimes come out of the brilliant imagination of their designers. And we have to admit that some of them have all the makings of a piece of art.

It should be noted that some brands also organize competition among their dealers and the best custom bikes are displayed at the salon. For instance, in 2022, it was Royal Enfield that exhibited the best customs.

Finally, many boutiques will have a stand at the salon and sell accessories and clothing intended for bikers, with even the most demanding tastes. Note that these shops often offer special promotions for the show. So, are you ready to do business?

The demo rides

To our knowledge, this is the only show that currently offers a real indoor offroad track to test your future Trail in real conditions.

Moreover, most of the manufacturers will offer you test rides on the new models of their range. Note that they are all concentrated in the same place, so it’s easy to book a ride with the different manufacturers you might be interested in.

Demonstrations and special events

This exhibition also offers numerous activities and demonstrations:

• L’intrépide: a burlesque race of pre-1940 bikes, in vintage clothes of course
• Auction of rare and collectible motorbikes
• Autograph sessions with pilots
• Indoor MX
• Wall of Death

And many more. In short, something to satisfy all types of audiences, even the youngest. Lyon Motorbike Show

Food and drinks

Because this is France, and gastronomy is part of its heritage, there will be many catering options available. And not just gas station sandwiches 😉

Electric bike exhibition

For some it is a swear word. For others it is the future. At Cruizador, we will be careful not to tell you what to think.

However, it is difficult to judge without trying, isn’t it? At the show, you will also find all the latest trends in electric mobility on two wheels. So why don’t you see for yourself?

Lyon Motorbike Show

There’s a bit more, shall we put it on anyway?

To conclude, we give you a small list of restaurant/hotel recommendations. So get to your notepads.

Accommodations

We are quite fans of the Mama Shelter brand. Modern design, excellent value for money, evening with live music, copious breakfast buffet, attentive staff. In short, a must try! More info here

For those traveling on a slightly tighter budget, or who don’t want to stay in an Airbnb, we can recommend Hotel Pilo.

This is actually a hostel, offering dormitories as well as private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The location is ideal, in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement. It also has a café/cocktail bar.   

Otherwise, go to your usual booking platform or Airbnb to get the best deals, depending on your budget and the place you want to stay.

Personally, we recommend that you target Place Bellecour as the starting point for your search. Then widen your radius and head north (towards Cordeliers/Opéra).

Old Lyon certainly has its charms. However, as in all old towns, the flats will be smaller and therefore less practical for accommodating large groups. And as the old town is within walking distance of Place Bellecour, there’s no problem getting there in the evening.

The Part-Dieu district will probably be your arrival point in Lyon if you’re coming by train.

However, it is above all a commercial/business district. And after dark, there’s not much to do. What’s more, the fauna changes a little and the area doesn’t necessarily attract the most well-intentioned people.

The same goes for the Confluence district. We say that, we say nothing ????

Restaurants 

It’s hard to say without knowing your tastes and budget.

But here are a few places that caught our attention. Note however that you would be well advised to make a reservation to be sure of getting a table, as most of these establishments are quite demanded.

• Traditional cuisine: les enfants terribles (here) or le Bistrot de Lyon (here)
• For meat lovers : l’Argot (here), La Table de Max (here)
• For vegans/vegetarians : Prana (here)
• For a good pizza/pasta dish : Casa Nobile (here)
• Upcoming bistrot : Le Bistrot du Potager (here)
• Food court : Food Traboule (here), Halles de Lyon Paul-Bocuse (here)
• Brunch places: Slake Coffee Shop (here), Pimprenelle (here), Mama Shelter (especially on Sundays)

Bars

As far as bars are concerned, there are plenty of options. But to do a little bar hopping, go to

• In the Opéra district, towards the Place des Terreaux/Hôtel de ville.
• In the Croix Rousse district, which is very lively both day and night.
• In the rue des Marronniers

Afterwards, it’s up to you to let yourself be guided by the crowd and the atmosphere of the moment.

Shopping

Many shopping addresses in Lyon. But let us give you 2-3 recommendations:

• Uniqlo : so yes, it’s not the most original advice to start with. But Uniqlo offers clothes with unbeatable value for money, especially technical clothes (down jackets, thermal underwear, etc.) which could be very useful during your road-trips, especially at the beginning or end of the season. So get equipped without breaking your piggy bank. Two addresses: one in the city centre, the other in the Part-Dieu shopping centre.
• Royal Racer: We already told you about it in our list of gifts for bikers (here). But Royal Racer also has a shop in Lyon, rue de la Mercière. In short, a shop where you can find all the gear of the gentleman/gentlewoman rider: accessories, leather jackets, helmets, Japanese denim, etc. Note that they usually also have a stand at the show. More info (here)
• Baak Showroom & atelier: Baak has become a major player in the customisation of motorcycles, especially on Triumph bases. Some time ago, thanks to their growing popularity, they opened a temple dedicated to bikes, where you can find spare parts to customise your bike, textiles, etc. It’s a bit out of the city centre, but the place is worth a visit (if you have some time). More info here
• Cockpit Lyon: A must-see address for all those who are passionate about vintage clothing and fine pieces. A shop full of quality clothes, sometimes second hand. And staff who will give you the details on each piece. In short, you will find unique pieces that will turn heads when you pass by, whether you are on your bike or not. 4 pl du Gouvernement, Lyon 5ème. More info on their Instagram
• Maison Malleval: for all those who are looking for good bottles of wine or liquor (here).

Otherwise, you will find most of the international brands in the square from Place Bellecour to the Opera, passing by Place de la République and the newly renovated Hotel Dieu.

We hope you find these recommendations useful.

Thank you for reading and see

Ride on!

Picture Galery

And to conclude, and give you some motivation to visite the fair, here are some impressions. Click to enlarge! 

Lyon Motorbike Show