Forum Franchise Lyon 2026 – France

What to expect in 2026

Forum Franchise Lyon 2026 is a major professional meeting dedicated to franchising, organised for entrepreneurs, franchise candidates, investors, business owners, franchise networks and specialist advisers. The event is designed to connect people looking to create, acquire or develop a business with brands actively seeking new franchise partners. The organiser describes the event as a key meeting point for the franchise sector in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, bringing together regional, national and international networks across a wide range of business categories.

The event offers more than a conventional exhibition. Visitors can meet franchise development managers, compare different business concepts, discuss financing and investment requirements, attend educational workshops and learn about the practical steps involved in becoming a franchisee. It is also useful for existing franchise professionals who want to expand their networks, identify new territories and meet service providers specialising in legal, accounting, financing and franchise development.

The 2026 edition is expected to feature close to 160 franchise brands and exhibitors. The exhibition will cover food retail, restaurants, automotive services, beauty and fitness, specialist retail, construction and home improvement, real estate, services, financing and other business sectors. This broad mix gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to compare very different franchise concepts within a single professional environment.

The event is particularly useful for people at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. A visitor who is still researching franchise opportunities can attend introductory sessions, while a more advanced candidate can use the exhibition to meet specific brands, discuss investment requirements and explore territory opportunities. Existing franchise operators can also use the event for networking and professional development.

Event dates

Forum Franchise Lyon 2026 will take place on 8 October 2026 at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, near Lyon, France.

The official opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The venue address is LDLC Arena, 5 Avenue Simone Veil, 69150 Décines-Charpieu.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & exhibition site

Forum Franchise Lyon will be held at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, a modern major-event venue in the Lyon metropolitan area. The venue provides a contemporary setting for the exhibition, professional meetings, presentations and networking activities associated with the franchise forum.

LDLC Arena is located at 5 Avenue Simone Veil in Décines-Charpieu. Its location within the eastern Lyon metropolitan area gives the event direct access to the region’s business ecosystem while remaining connected to Lyon city centre and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.

The venue’s modern infrastructure is well suited to a professional exhibition format. Exhibitors can use dedicated stands to present their franchise concepts, while visitors can move between different business sectors and arrange conversations with development teams.

The move to LDLC Arena has also provided Forum Franchise Lyon with a contemporary event environment capable of supporting a large professional audience. The exhibition layout is designed to facilitate direct meetings between franchise brands and prospective entrepreneurs.

Full event programme

The Forum Franchise programme is focused on practical franchise education, business creation and meetings between franchise candidates and networks. The organiser’s workshop programme covers the full journey from understanding the franchise model to selecting a franchise brand, financing a project and evaluating contractual obligations.

Key programme themes include:

• Becoming a franchisee: Sessions explain the principal stages involved in selecting a concept, preparing a project and joining a franchise network.
• Becoming a franchisor: Content is also available for entrepreneurs and companies considering the creation or development of their own franchise network.
• Financing a franchise project: Visitors can learn about financing requirements, business plans and the different considerations involved when seeking funding.
• Choosing a franchisor: Educational sessions address how candidates can compare networks and assess whether a franchise concept fits their objectives.
• Franchise contracts: Workshops examine important contractual provisions and the relationship between franchisees and franchisors.
• Commercial location: Visitors can learn about choosing a location and working with local commercial-centre managers.
• Entrepreneurial preparation: Sessions address whether a visitor is suited to franchising and how to evaluate different business opportunities.
• Low-investment entrepreneurship: Educational content can also address how candidates can approach franchising when their personal capital is limited.

The programme is structured so that visitors can combine presentations with direct meetings at exhibitor stands. This makes it possible to learn about the franchise model before approaching brands with more specific questions.

Key speakers & keynote speakers

Forum Franchise Lyon brings together franchise specialists, franchise development professionals, advisers, entrepreneurs and representatives of participating networks. The speaker programme focuses heavily on practical expertise rather than celebrity appearances, with sessions designed to answer questions that arise during the franchise selection and business-creation process.

Contributors associated with the programme include representatives from specialist franchise media, business advisers, legal professionals, franchise consultants and organisations supporting entrepreneurs. The workshop programme includes sessions led by Toute la Franchise and L’Officiel de la Franchise, alongside specialist workshops.

Topics presented by programme contributors include becoming a franchisee, choosing a franchisor, financing a franchise project, franchise contracts, commercial locations and developing a successful relationship between franchisors and franchisees.

The event also gives exhibitors an opportunity to present their concepts directly. Visitors should therefore consider both the formal conference programme and the individual presentations available through participating brands when planning their visit.

Conference sessions & tracks

The conference and workshop programme is organised around the practical questions that entrepreneurs commonly encounter when considering franchising.

The principal tracks include:

• Starting a franchise: Understanding the model, responsibilities and preparation required before joining a network.
• Financing: Examining how to structure and finance a franchise project.
• Franchise selection: Comparing brands, concepts, support structures, markets and development territories.
• Legal and contractual matters: Understanding important clauses and obligations within franchise relationships.
• Commercial property: Exploring location strategy and opportunities offered by local commercial districts.
• Entrepreneurial readiness: Considering skills, motivations and expectations before committing to a franchise.
• Network development: Information for companies interested in becoming franchisors and building structured franchise networks.
• Experience sharing: Franchisees and entrepreneurs can share practical experiences and lessons from their business journeys.

The sessions are aimed at both newcomers and people who already have a defined business project. The range of topics means visitors can move from introductory information toward more specialised questions about financing, contracts, territory selection and operational development.

Session times & schedule

The official workshop schedule provides a series of sessions throughout the exhibition day. The published programme includes morning and afternoon workshops covering franchise creation, financing, contractual matters, location strategy and entrepreneurial preparation.

The programme includes sessions such as:

• 10:00 AM – Becoming a franchisee: keys to success
• 10:00 AM – How to become a franchisor
• 10:30 AM – Essential clauses in a franchise relationship
• 10:45 AM – Financing a franchise project
• 11:00 AM – Entrepreneurship through a responsible and promising market
• 11:30 AM – How to choose your franchisor
• 11:30 AM – Location: keys to a successful opening
• 12:00 PM – Commercial implantation with a town-centre manager
• 12:15 PM – Starting in franchising for beginners
• 2:00 PM – Becoming a franchisee: keys to success
• 2:45 PM – Supporting a franchise project with the CCI
• 3:30 PM – Franchise contracts and contractual rules
• 4:15 PM – Creating or taking over a business: choosing the right project

Because individual workshop schedules can be updated by the organiser, visitors should check the official programme before attending and allow time between sessions for exhibitor meetings.

Ticket types & registration

Forum Franchise Lyon is primarily a professional franchise exhibition and registration is required for visitors. The official visitor information is designed for entrepreneurs, project holders, investors and business owners who want to meet franchise networks and specialist advisers.

The visitor registration model is generally centred on professional access rather than multiple paid ticket tiers. Visitors should use the official registration platform to confirm their attendance and obtain the information required for entry.

• Professional visitor registration: Free
• Franchise candidate access: Free through official visitor registration
• Entrepreneur and investor access: Free through registration
• Exhibitor participation: Paid, with commercial packages available

For exhibitors, the current commercial offer includes a 6-square-metre stand without personalisation at approximately $3,300 before tax, a personalised 6-square-metre stand at approximately $4,650 before tax and a 12-square-metre bare-space stand at approximately $3,150 before tax. Mandatory registration fees are approximately $234 before tax. These are exhibitor participation costs rather than visitor ticket prices.

Registration deadlines

Visitors should complete their online registration before travelling to the event. The organiser uses advance registration to prepare visitor access and facilitate meetings between franchise candidates and participating networks.

The exact final registration deadline for visitors should be confirmed through the official Forum Franchise Lyon registration page. Because the event is designed around direct business meetings, early registration can also give visitors more time to review the exhibitor directory and identify brands relevant to their business objectives.

Exhibitors have separate commercial and operational deadlines covering stand orders, communication materials, badges, invitations and other participation requirements. Companies planning to exhibit should contact the organiser directly for the latest deadlines and technical instructions.

Exhibitor list & major companies

Forum Franchise Lyon’s current exhibitor directory includes a wide range of national, regional and international brands. The organiser states that nearly 160 brands are expected to participate, with concepts covering numerous industries.

Examples from the current exhibitor directory include:

• 3 Brasseurs: Hospitality and restaurant concept.
• APEF: Home and personal services.
• ATTILA: Building and roofing services.
• Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône-Alpes: Banking and franchise financing support.
• Bertrand Franchise: Restaurant franchise group.
• Biocoop: Food retail and organic grocery.
• Boulangerie Louise: Bakery and food retail.
• Burger King: Restaurant franchise.
• Carrefour Proximité France: Local food retail.
• Cash Express: Specialist second-hand retail.
• Cavavin: Wine retail.
• Fitness Park: Fitness and health.
• Franprix: Urban convenience retail.
• JouéClub: Specialist retail.
• La Vie Claire: Organic food retail.
• Midas: Automotive services.
• Mr.Bricolage: Home improvement retail.
• Norauto: Automotive services.
• Paul: Bakery and restaurant.
• Pizza Hut: Restaurant franchise.
• Pokawa: Food and restaurant concept.
• Tryba: Home renovation and building products.

The directory also includes professional advisers, financing organisations, franchise media and specialist service providers.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

Forum Franchise Lyon uses a structured stand layout to separate different franchise categories and make it easier for visitors to identify relevant concepts. The official exhibitor directory assigns stand numbers and sector classifications, allowing visitors to build a targeted route around the exhibition.

The principal categories include:

• Food retail: Supermarkets, convenience stores, specialist food concepts and organic retail.
• Hospitality and restaurants: Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, fast-casual concepts and leisure dining.
• Specialist retail: Home improvement, toys, second-hand goods, books, lifestyle products and other retail concepts.
• Automotive: Vehicle servicing, maintenance, tyres and mobility-related concepts.
• Beauty, health and fitness: Beauty salons, fitness clubs, wellness and health-related services.
• Building and home: Renovation, construction, landscaping, home improvement and related services.
• Business services and financing: Accounting, legal, consulting, financing and franchise development.
• Personal services: Home assistance, senior services, leisure and other consumer services.
• Real estate and territories: Local authorities, town-centre management organisations and commercial-property opportunities.

The final visitor guide and floor plan should be checked through the official website before arrival because stand allocations can change as participation is finalised.

Networking & business meetings

Networking is one of the central purposes of Forum Franchise Lyon. The exhibition provides a direct environment where future franchisees can meet the people responsible for franchise development and discuss the practical requirements of joining a network.

Visitors can use exhibitor stands to ask questions about:

• Initial investment requirements
• Personal capital requirements
• Franchise fees and ongoing royalties
• Contract duration
• Training and support
• Territory availability
• Location requirements
• Recruitment and staffing
• Marketing support
• Network development
• Expected business model and operational structure

The event also includes professional advisers who can help entrepreneurs understand legal, accounting, financing and business-planning considerations. The organiser’s visitor information emphasises the opportunity to meet franchise networks and experts in one place.

Visitors should prepare a concise description of their project before attending. Having a clear idea of preferred sectors, available capital, desired location and entrepreneurial experience can make conversations with franchise development managers considerably more productive.

Industry sectors & highlights

Forum Franchise Lyon represents a wide range of business sectors. The organiser specifically identifies food, automotive, banking and financing, beauty, health, fitness and hairdressing, specialist retail, building and housing, real estate, fashion and accessories, restaurants, business services and personal services among the principal categories.

The breadth of sectors makes the exhibition useful for visitors who have not yet selected an industry. Instead of committing immediately to one concept, entrepreneurs can compare different franchise models and identify differences in investment, operational requirements, territory, support and contract structure.

The exhibition also reflects the wider franchise market in France. The organiser’s visitor information cites industry data showing thousands of franchise networks and tens of thousands of franchised outlets, with food, home equipment, specialist retail, fast food and personal equipment among significant franchise sectors.

Another important feature is the presence of territorial organisations. Local commercial-centre managers can explain available locations and development opportunities, giving entrepreneurs information that goes beyond the franchise brand itself.

Event rules & visitor information

Forum Franchise Lyon is a professional event focused on franchise development and entrepreneurship. Visitors should complete the official registration process and follow the venue’s security and access instructions.

The exhibition is intended for meaningful professional discussions, so visitors should respect exhibitors’ meeting areas, workshop schedules and other attendees. Exhibitors may request information about a visitor’s project in order to determine whether their concept and development requirements are suitable.

A particularly important consideration for franchise candidates is due diligence. The organiser reminds future franchisees that it is their responsibility to investigate a network carefully before signing a franchise agreement. The French commercial code framework includes requirements concerning information supplied by a franchisor before contractual commitment, so candidates should obtain appropriate professional advice when necessary.

Visitors should also remember that information presented by a franchise brand at an exhibition is part of an initial business discussion. Detailed financial, legal and operational decisions should be based on complete documentation and independent assessment.

How to get there

LDLC Arena is located at 5 Avenue Simone Veil in Décines-Charpieu, in the eastern part of the Lyon metropolitan area. The venue is connected to Lyon by public transport and is also accessible by car.

Visitors arriving from Lyon city centre can use the TCL network to reach the venue. The exhibition site is particularly convenient for visitors travelling from the eastern Lyon metropolitan area and surrounding business districts.

For visitors arriving by train, Lyon Part-Dieu station provides the main long-distance rail connection. The organiser estimates the venue at around 30 minutes from Part-Dieu, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Visitors arriving through Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport can reach the venue by road in approximately 10 minutes under normal conditions.

Public transport & parking

The official access information identifies Tram T7 to Décines OL Vallée as a public transport option for reaching LDLC Arena. Bus 85 also serves Décines OL Vallée. Visitors can use the TCL journey-planning service to identify the best connection from their starting point.

For visitors arriving by car, the official event information identifies LDLC Arena Parking P9 as a free parking option. Visitors should follow venue signage and any instructions provided by event staff on arrival.

Public transport may be preferable for visitors staying in central Lyon, particularly when traffic conditions are busy. Visitors travelling from outside the city should allow additional time for transfers and venue access.

Accommodation areas

Visitors can stay in central Lyon or in areas closer to Décines-Charpieu depending on their schedule. Central Lyon offers the broadest selection of business hotels, restaurants and evening activities, while accommodation closer to the arena can reduce travel time on the morning of the event.

Useful areas include Décines-Charpieu, Part-Dieu, Villeurbanne, Presqu’île and the broader eastern Lyon metropolitan area. Visitors who want easy access to the railway network may prefer accommodation around Lyon Part-Dieu.

Professionals planning several meetings may benefit from staying near a major public transport connection rather than choosing a hotel solely according to distance from the arena. Lyon’s metro, tram and bus network allows visitors to combine accommodation in the city with travel to Décines-Charpieu.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition attracted 2,398 unique participants and 156 exhibitors, with 20 conferences and workshops forming part of the programme. The organiser also reported an average of nine contacts per stand, demonstrating the event’s focus on direct interaction between franchise brands and potential business partners.

The visitor audience included people interested in creating or taking over a franchise business, investors and entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities. The exhibition brought together established national brands, regional concepts, specialist advisers, financing organisations and territorial representatives.

The previous programme also included practical educational sessions addressing franchise selection, financing, contractual issues, commercial location and the process of becoming a franchisee. These subjects remain central to the event because they address the questions entrepreneurs need to answer before committing to a franchise project.

The exhibitor mix covered restaurants, food retail, specialist retail, automotive services, home improvement, fitness, personal services and professional support. This diversity allowed visitors to compare franchise models with very different investment levels and operating structures.

The event also continued its role as a regional meeting point for the franchise industry. The organiser positions Lyon and the wider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region as an important territory for franchise development, making the exhibition relevant both to local entrepreneurs and networks seeking expansion opportunities.

Official registration & tickets

Visitors should register through the official Forum Franchise Lyon website before attending. The event is designed for entrepreneurs, project holders, investors and business owners interested in creating, acquiring or developing a franchise business.

Professional visitors can use the registration process to prepare for meetings with participating brands. Reviewing the exhibitor directory in advance is recommended because it allows visitors to identify suitable concepts, check their sectors and prepare specific questions before arriving.

Exhibitors have a separate commercial registration process. Current exhibitor packages include stand space, furniture, electricity, Wi-Fi, exhibitor badges, online visibility and access to professional services. The organiser also offers additional communication and visibility options for participating brands.

The official visitor and exhibitor information should be checked for the latest access instructions, exhibitor updates, programme changes and registration requirements.

For official registration, exhibitor information and programme updates, use the Forum Franchise Lyon official website (https://www.lyon-franchise.com/). The organiser can also be contacted at infos@lyon-metropole.cci.fr or by telephone at +33 821 23 12 51.