Delegates have started to arrive at the 2025 Rendez-vous en France tourism event, Fran ce’s most important B2B (business-to-business) trade show focused on promoting French tourism to an international audience.
This will be the 18th edition of the event, organized by Atout France, France’s tourism development agency. Lyon, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, has been chosen as the host city for its accessibility, top-notch facilities, rich gastronomic and cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices—key themes for this year’s event.
The event is designed to connect French tourism professionals with international buyers, fostering partnerships and boosting the global promotion of French destinations. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
Rendez Vous en France brought together 1,950 tourism professionals, including 817 international opinion leaders from 62 countries and 704 French exhibitors, including 100 regional exhibitors from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, such as destination representatives, accommodation providers, and receptive agencies.
Approximately 820 international and French tour operators, with a diverse mix: 400 from Europe (including 80 French, 60 British, 45 German), and 410 from medium- and long-haul markets (e.g., 104 North American, 45 Japanese, 35 Korean, 35 Indian, 40 Brazilian). Of these, 53pc are generalists, 32pc are specialized, 10pc are online travel agencies (OTAs), and 5pc fall into other categories.
Over 25,000 pre-scheduled, individual appointments will take place across two days at the Halle Tony Garnier, an 11,000-square-meter venue in Lyon. These meetings bring together around 630 French exhibitors—representing destinations, hotels, tour operators, and other tourism providers—with approximately 820 international tour operators and travel agents from over 62 countries.
A written press release shared that this edition emphasises France’s push toward responsible tourism. Expect showcases of innovative, eco-friendly offerings, such as soft mobility options and sustainable destination management, aligning with global travel trends. Lyon’s own efforts, like prioritizing eco-labeled hotels (70pc of accommodations for attendees) and public transport, will be highlighted.
Before or after the main event, about 55 educational tours (eductours) will be offered across France, with 27 specifically in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. These tours allow over 400 international buyers to explore French destinations firsthand, meeting local operators and experiencing the diversity of offerings—from Lyon’s historic sites to regional attractions.
The event serves as a platform for exhibitors to pitch new products, enhance their international reach, and strengthen ties with buyers. For tour operators, it’s a chance to discover fresh travel experiences to add to their portfolios, with Lyon’s culinary fame and UNESCO-listed heritage likely stealing the spotlight.
Held just after the buzz of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 2025 edition aims to capitalize on France’s global tourism momentum. Lyon’s selection reflects its status as a gastronomic capital and a hub of history, making it an ideal stage to showcase France’s evolving tourism landscape to the world.
Unusual Lyon
In the heart of Lyon, where the art of cinema was born, the Lumière Museum stands as a tribute to the groundbreaking work of the Lumière brothers, Louis and Auguste. Housed in the Château Lumière, the grand villa once belonging to their father, Antoine, the museum unfolds across four floors and twenty-one rooms. Here, visitors step into a world of wonder, tracing the scientific and historical journey of Louis Lumière’s invention of the Cinematograph in 1895. The villa buzzes with interactivity—projections of early Lumière films flicker to life with commentary, while the first cameras, colorful photographs, and curious objects from the era captivate the imagination. Beyond the villa, in the garden, lies ‘Le Hangar,’ a cinema built on the very spot where the first film was shot. Once Europe’s largest photographic plate factory, this site now invites exploration of the Lumière family’s legacy.
Dedicated to the Cinématographe and the family’s history, the Musée Lumière in Lyon uncovers the technical marvels dreamed up by Louis and Auguste. Visitors marvel at treasures like the original Cinématographe and an Edison Kinetoscope, alongside period relics scattered throughout the villa where the Lumières once lived. New displays of Lumière films weave together the artistic, intellectual, and industrial threads of their time, offering a glimpse into the birth of cinema from experiments around the globe to the creation and sharing of their pioneering works.
Later, the adventure shifted to Lyon’s UNESCO-listed districts—Presqu’île and Vieux Lyon—nestled between the Saône and Rhône rivers. With guide Thomas Munoz leading the way, participants sampled a sweet food tour, blending the city’s rich history with its culinary delights. This was followed by then highlight of the evening, a unique cheese tasting experience.
Delegates form eight countries sample a unique cheese tasting experience at Toques du Fromage in Lyon
