France's gastronomic capital, two hours from Paris by TGV
Seminars, incentives and conventions in Lyon & Rhône Valley
A UNESCO-listed city, a 3,000-seat congress centre, bouchons and Michelin tables, with Beaujolais and the Rhône vineyards on the doorstep.
- ≈ 2 h
- Paris to Lyon by TGV
- 3,000
- Seats in the largest amphitheatre of the Centre de Congrès de Lyon (City of Lyon)
- 900
- Seats in the second amphitheatre
- ≈ 30 min
- Rhônexpress tramway from the airport to Part-Dieu
Why choose Lyon & Rhône Valley
- A TGV of about 2 hours from Paris and direct high-speed links to Marseille, Strasbourg and Lille, with an airport tramway.
- A congress centre on the Parc de la Tête d'Or with amphitheatres of 300, 900 and 3,000 seats, plus Eurexpo for large exhibitions.
- A historic centre listed by UNESCO, from Vieux Lyon to the Presqu'île and the Croix-Rousse silk district.
- A gastronomic reputation built on bouchons, market halls and Michelin-starred chefs, ideal for dinners and chef-led workshops.
- Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley vineyards for tastings and estate dinners within an hour.
- A compact centre where hotels, restaurants and meeting venues are linked by metro and tram.
Airport access
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport (LYS) is about 25 to 30 minutes from the centre; the Rhônexpress tramway reaches Part-Dieu station in around 30 minutes. The TGV from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Lyon-Part-Dieu takes about 2 hours, and Lyon is about 1 h 40 from Marseille by TGV. Beaujolais villages are 30 to 45 minutes by road, and the northern Rhône vineyards (Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage) 30 minutes to 1 hour. Geneva is roughly 1 h 45 by road.
MICE capacity
The Centre de Congrès de Lyon, at the Cité Internationale, has three amphitheatres of 300, 900 and 3,000 seats according to the City of Lyon and the tourist office. Eurexpo, near the airport, hosts large trade shows. Hotels in Part-Dieu, the Presqu'île and near the Cité Internationale provide meeting rooms and ballrooms. Heritage venues such as Hôtel-Dieu and museums can be hired for receptions, subject to availability, and wine estates host smaller dinners. Capacities depend on layout and are confirmed for each project.
Seasonality
September to November and March to June are the busiest months for congresses; October coincides with the Beaujolais harvest tail and vineyard colours, and the third Thursday of November marks the Beaujolais Nouveau release. Biennial Sirha Lyon in January and trade shows at Eurexpo can raise hotel rates. The Fête des Lumières around 8 December draws large crowds and fills hotels. July and August are quieter for business but warm, and winters are cool and misty.
Recommended districts
Presqu'île
Central peninsula between the Rhône and the Saône, with shops, restaurants and hotels.
Cité Internationale
Congress centre district beside the Parc de la Tête d'Or, with large hotels and a casino.
Part-Dieu
Business district around the main railway station; practical for short stays and rail arrivals.
Vieux Lyon
Renaissance old town with traboules and historic restaurants; atmospheric dinners.
Croix-Rousse
Former silk-weavers' hill with workshops, markets and murals; suited to creative activities.
Beaujolais
Rolling vineyards and stone villages 30 to 45 minutes north, for tastings and estate dinners.
Convention centres · Lyon & Rhône Valley
Conference & MICE hotels
3 restaurants
Trending & group restaurants
Evening ideas
- Dinner in a traditional bouchon or a Michelin-starred table, with a private room where available.
- Private evening in a heritage building such as the Hôtel-Dieu, subject to availability.
- Estate dinner in the Beaujolais among the vines, with a winemaker.
- Rhône or Saône cruise with dinner at sunset.
- Fête des Lumières evening in early December with a viewing circuit through the illuminated city.
Corporate activities
- Chef-led cooking workshop and tasting at the Halles de Lyon.
- Traboules and Croix-Rousse treasure hunt for mixed teams.
- Blending workshop of Beaujolais wines with an oenologist.
- Silk-weaving or printing workshop in a Croix-Rousse atelier.
- Cycling or e-bike ride along the Rhône and the Saône banks.
Programme examples
- Two-day seminar: Part-Dieu hotel, working sessions, a bouchon dinner and a Beaujolais afternoon.
- Three-day incentive: Vieux Lyon, chef workshop, Rhône Valley tasting and a gala in a heritage setting.
- One-day congress at the Centre de Congrès with plenary of 900 seats and an evening on the river.
Programmes
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the Lyon congress centre?
The Centre de Congrès de Lyon has three amphitheatres of 300, 900 and 3,000 seats. Breakout rooms and exhibition space complement the plenary halls. We check availability and layouts for your dates.
How long is the train from Paris to Lyon?
The TGV from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Lyon-Part-Dieu takes about 2 hours, with frequent departures. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport also has direct European flights. This makes day-return meetings feasible for small groups.
Can we organise a wine day in the Beaujolais?
Yes, Beaujolais villages are 30 to 45 minutes from the centre, and estates host tastings, lunches and dinners on request. Hospitality is mainly in spring and autumn. We coordinate coaches and a guide.
Can we dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant with a group?
Several starred restaurants accept groups or private rooms, usually for 10 to 30 guests, subject to availability. For larger groups we suggest bouchons, brasseries or a hired venue with a guest chef. We advise on options when we know your numbers and budget.
When is Lyon busiest for hotels?
Hotels tighten during major trade shows at Eurexpo, around the Fête des Lumières in early December and in September and October. Booking several months ahead is advisable. Checking the event calendar for your dates is part of our first review.
Can Lyon be combined with the Alps or Provence?
Yes. Marseille is about 1 h 40 by TGV and Geneva about 1 h 45 by road, and Annecy is within reach for a lake day. We design multi-region programmes with coach or rail transfers.
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