Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Salon Du Randonneur is set to take place at the Palais des congrès de Lyon from March 19 to 21, 2027. This exhibition will feature a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and vanlife.
Visitors can expect to find inspiration for their next adventures, practical advice for organizing nature vacations, and the best equipment for their outdoor activities. The event will also host numerous workshops and conferences throughout the three days.
Salon Du Randonneur takes place in.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Salon Du Randonneur takes place from March 19 to 21, 2027, at Palais des congrès de Lyon, France.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event focuses on outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and vanlife, attracting thousands of enthusiasts.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Expocinq, with more details available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Targeted at outdoor sports enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers looking for gear and experiences.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available for €5, with free entry for children under 12 and persons with disabilities.
Why visit
Test before you buy: hiking boots, trekking packs, trail shoes and poles are on stands in Lyon, so you can check heel hold, load transfer and sole stiffness in person instead of ordering from a spec sheet.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain direct access to a targeted audience of outdoor sports enthusiasts, allowing them to showcase their products and services effectively. The event provides a platform for networking and building relationships with potential customers and partners. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Manufacturers of hiking and biking equipment., Tour operators specializing in outdoor adventures., Vendors of outdoor apparel and accessories..
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hikers and trekking enthusiasts comparing boots, packs and technical apparel.
Mountain and road cyclists sourcing bikes, components and riding kit.
Vanlife and camper conversion buyers looking at vehicles, fit-outs and camping equipment.
Families planning nature holidays and outdoor activity breaks.
Cycling and hiking club organisers arranging group trips and gear.
Tour operators and travel agencies building outdoor and adventure itineraries.
Outdoor sports tech and app users tracking routes, training and conditions.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Hiking and trekking equipment manufacturers and distributors.
Bike brands, component makers and cycling apparel suppliers.
Vanlife converters, campervan rental firms and camping gear vendors.
Outdoor apparel and accessories brands.
Outdoor sports technology and navigation app developers.
Adventure tour operators, travel agencies and destination promoters.
Activity providers and outdoor sports associations recruiting members.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Hiking footwear, backpacks and trekking accessories.
Mountain, road and e-bikes with components and riding apparel.
Campervans, van conversion fit-outs and camping equipment.
Outdoor clothing and technical apparel.
Outdoor navigation, training and route-planning technology.
Guided trips, adventure travel packages and outdoor tourism services.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Palais des congrès de Lyon
50 quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon
Facilities
Parking
Palais des congrès de Lyon in Lyon typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Palais des congrès de Lyon in Lyon typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Palais des congrès de Lyon for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
General admission ticket
5
Who runs the show
Organisers
Expocinq
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Lyon, France
Why it matters
On 2027-03-19 to 2027-03-21, Salon Du Randonneur in Lyon covering Hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures., Cycling equipment and apparel for enthusiasts., Vanlife products in gives automotive buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Kyriad Lyon Est Stadium Eurexpo
3-star
Villeurbanne / Eurexpo east Lyon4.2
USD 95–122 / night
Pet-friendly with free parking and the cheapest tier in the capture set, but it sits on the eastern side of Lyon, so budget a TCL tram/bus or a drive across to the Cité Internationale each show day.
Hampton by Hilton Lyon Airport
3-star
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport4.4
USD 95–122 / night
Airport hotel suited to early departures and long layovers; pet-friendly with parking. Factor the two-leg transfer into your daily budget and timetable.
Novotel Lyon Centre Confluence Bord de Saone
4-star
Lyon Confluence, city centre south4.3
USD 150–190 / night
Riverside hotel in the Confluence district, pet-friendly with parking. A good base if you want restaurants and city walks after the halls close, with a tram or metro hop to the Cité Internationale.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon
4-star
Lyon city centre4.2
USD 150–190 / night
Full-service city-centre hotel, pet-friendly with parking. Choose it if you want central Lyon at your door and do not mind a short TCL ride to the venue each morning.
Lyon Marriott Hotel Cité Internationale
4-star
Cité Internationale, adjacent to the convention centre4.2
USD 150–190 / night
Inside the Cité Internationale complex next to the Centre de Congrès de Lyon. The most convenient option for show days and for carrying gear back to your room between visits.
Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel
5-star
Vieux Lyon (old town)4.5
USD 230–265 / night
Historic five-star with spa in Vieux Lyon and the premium option in the capture set, roughly 2.7 times the lowest 3-star rate. Best if the trip doubles as a city break.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
TCL metro / tram / bus (single journey)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forCentral Lyon, Part-Dieu and Perrache to the Cité Internationale and Centre des Congrès de Lyon
TCL runs Lyon's metro, tram, funicular and bus network and publishes event-specific guidance for reaching the Centre des Congrès. Tickets are sold at machines, ticket offices and via the TCL app.
TCL day pass
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forUnlimited TCL travel for one day across metro, tram, funicular and bus
Worth it if you are commuting from Confluence or Part-Dieu for two or three show days and want to add an evening in the city.
Rhônexpress airport express tram
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) to Palais des congrès de Lyon
A dedicated express tram rather than a TCL service, so a TCL pass does not cover it. From Part-Dieu, switch to TCL tram or bus for the Cité Internationale, or take a taxi for the final leg.
Taxi / private transfer
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLyon-Saint Exupéry Airport or central Lyon to the Palais des congrès de Lyon
Useful with heavy luggage or demo gear. Fixed airport tariffs and night supplements apply, so confirm the meter or agreed price before departure; local transfer operators publish direct rides to the Centre de Congrès de Lyon.
Car parking at the Cité Internationale
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forUnderground car parks serving the Palais des congres de Lyon and the Cité Internationale complex
The complex is shared with hotels, cinemas and restaurants, so spaces tighten on busy show days. Pre-book where possible and check height limits if you drive a campervan or tall van.
Vélo'v bike share
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forShort city hops between central Lyon and the Cité Internationale riverside
Lyon's self-service bike scheme suits a dry March day and the flat riverside ride along the Rhône, but it is not a realistic option with luggage or demo gear.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forGenève Aéroport (GVA) to Palais des congrès de Lyon
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forLyon-Bron Airport (LYN) to Palais des congrès de Lyon
Weather
March in Lyon is early spring and changeable: expect cool starts, mild afternoons and a genuine chance of showers across the three show days. Typical daytime highs sit around 10-15 C with overnight lows near 2-6 C, and Lyon usually records a fair number of wet days across the month rather than one long rainy spell. The Cité Internationale halls are indoors, but you will still cross open walkways between the Palais des congres, hotels and riverside areas, so pack a waterproof shell and a warm mid-layer. Check a local forecast within 48 hours of departure, as specific show-day figures are not published in advance.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage in central Lyon and around the Cité Internationale is good on French networks, with 4G and 5G available in the city. EU visitors can generally use their home allowance under roaming rules; travellers from outside the EU should compare an eSIM or a French prepaid SIM before relying on data for tickets and maps. Venue Wi-Fi availability, network names and any exhibitor passwords are set by the organiser, so confirm on arrival or ask at the badge desk rather than assuming a connection in the halls. France uses 230 V type E sockets, so bring a suitable adapter for non-European plugs and a power bank for long days on the floor.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
The venue district
The Centre de Congrès de Lyon sits inside the Cité Internationale on the Rhône in the 6th arrondissement, a purpose-built complex with hotels, cinemas, restaurants and riverside walks on site. The Parc de la Tête d'Or is a short walk upstream, useful for a break between sessions.
Language
French is the everyday language in Lyon. Signage at major transport hubs and the convention centre is generally bilingual, but a translation app helps in restaurants, taxis and neighbourhood shops, and opening with a Bonjour goes a long way.
Eating and tipping
Service is included in French restaurant bills, so tipping is a small round-up rather than a percentage. Lunch service typically runs from noon to about 14:00, and many kitchens close between lunch and dinner, so plan a sit-down meal around the show timetable.
Getting around like a local
Lyon is compact and riverside, so a mix of TCL tram or metro and walking covers most of the city. Vélo'v bike share works well along the Rhône on dry days, and taxis or ride-hailing are best saved for luggage runs and late evenings.
Sunday and city rhythm
Some shops close on Sunday, while Vieux Lyon restaurants, markets and riverside cafes stay busy. If you are adding a day either side of the show, book popular museums and restaurants ahead rather than turning up on the day.
Outdoor culture
Lyon is a base for hikes in the Monts du Lyonnais, Pilat and Beaujolais, and local clubs are active on weekdays as well as weekends. Conversations at the show often start with where someone walked last, so a route you have done is a good opener.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book into Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) rather than Paris: the sample JFK itineraries in the capture set connected through Paris CDG, London Heathrow or Brussels, with the fastest around 10 hr 15 min and the Heathrow option stretching to about 15 hr due to a long connection. Prices shown for the 2027-03-19 departure were marked typical at search time, so treat them as a planning baseline and re-check six to ten weeks out when March congress demand starts to bite. Compare one-stop routings across airline groups, and if you are coming from outside Europe check whether Geneva plus rail is genuinely cheaper once the onward leg is added. Book flexible fares where possible, since show timetables and build-up days are confirmed by the organiser.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Lyon; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Palais des congrès de Lyon: Villeurbanne / Eurexpo east Lyon: Kyriad Lyon Est Stadium Eurexpo; Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport: Hampton by Hilton Lyon Airport; Lyon Confluence, city centre south: Novotel Lyon Centre Confluence Bord de Saone.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing is widely used in Lyon, with Uber and Bolt among the apps travellers commonly open for airport runs and late-evening returns from the Cité Internationale. Coverage is best in central Lyon and around Part-Dieu; availability can thin out after midnight or in heavy rain, so keep a taxi number as backup. Confirm the pickup point with your driver, as the Cité Internationale complex has several entrances and hotel forecourts.
Public transit: Lyon's public transport is run by TCL and covers metro, tram, funicular and bus, with ticket machines, a mobile app and published guidance for reaching the Centre des Congrès during events. For the show, the practical pattern is a tram or bus to the Cité Internationale from Part-Dieu or central Lyon, then a short walk to the Palais des congres. From Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, the Rhônexpress express tram runs into Part-Dieu as a separate ticket, after which you switch to TCL for the final leg. Buy a day pass if you are commuting across several show days, and check tcl.fr for live disruption before setting out.
Parking: The Cité Internationale has underground car parks serving the Palais des congres and the surrounding hotels, cinemas and restaurants, with tariffs set by the operator rather than by the show. Budget roughly EUR 15-25 per day and confirm current prices and opening hours before you travel. Spaces tighten on busy congress days, so arrive early, pre-book where the operator allows it, and check height limits if you drive a campervan or tall van. Coaches, trailers and demo vehicles should be cleared with the organiser in advance so access routes and unloading slots can be agreed.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Cool early spring: typically around 10-15 C by day and 2-6 C overnight in Lyon during March; check a local forecast before travel, as show-specific figures are not published.
Seasonality: March falls in Lyon's wetter early-spring period, with showers likely across the show days rather than constant rain. Plan for damp mornings and the occasional wet afternoon, and keep a compact umbrella or hooded shell in your bag for the walk between halls, hotels and tram stops.
Packing: Pack layers rather than one heavy coat: a warm mid-layer for cool mornings, a waterproof shell for showers and comfortable walking shoes for long days on hard hall floors. Add a small daypack for catalogues and demo gear, a power bank for a full day of app-based tickets and photos, and a dry bag if you plan to test packs or van storage in wet weather.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Salon Du Randonneur usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Reserve a hotel with free cancellation, choosing between the Cité Internationale (walkable), Part-Dieu (TCL connections) and Confluence (riverside, tram links). — March is a busy congress month in Lyon; book early and confirm the cancellation window.
Day 2
Register or buy your visitor ticket, with general admission listed at EUR 5 for this edition, and save the confirmation offline. — Screenshot the ticket in case mobile signal is patchy inside the halls.
Day 3
Work through the exhibitor list and shortlist the boot, pack, shell and shelter brands you want to compare, noting stand numbers. — Rank by priority so you hit the important stands on the first morning.
Day 4
Read the workshop and conference programme and mark the sessions on navigation, lightweight packing, bivouac rules and multi-day route planning. — Popular slots fill up; note start times and room names.
Day 5
Plan the journey: Rhônexpress from LYS to Part-Dieu, then TCL tram or bus to the Cité Internationale, and download the TCL route planner.; Check passport validity, arrange travel insurance and confirm whether you need a Schengen short-stay visa for France. — Schengen applications should be lodged well before departure; see France-Visas for current rules.
Day 6
Sort out payments and connectivity: some euros in cash, a card with low foreign fees and an eSIM if you are travelling from outside the EU.; Bring your current boots, insoles and a note of your pack volume and usual load so you can compare new gear against what you already use. — Wearing the boots you plan to replace makes stand comparisons far quicker.
Day 7
Pack layers, a waterproof shell and comfortable walking shoes for cool Lyon March weather, plus a tote for catalogues and samples. — Halls and outdoor demo areas can be draughty; a warm mid-layer helps on early starts.
Day 8
Save the venue address in French, your hotel confirmation and your ticket in one offline folder for taxi drivers and badge checks. — Palais des congres de Lyon, Cité Internationale, 50 quai Charles de Gaulle, Lyon 6e.
Day 9
Travel day: land at LYS, take Rhônexpress into Lyon, then TCL to the Cité Internationale or a taxi for the final leg with luggage. — Allow a buffer of around an hour for the two-leg airport transfer.
Day 10
Confirm the dates you can travel for the 19-21 March 2027 edition and check opening hours on randonnee.org before booking anything non-refundable.; Show day: arrive at opening, work the hall in shortlist order, then use the afternoon for workshops, demos and route planning stands. — Leave time at the end for a second pass on gear you shortlisted but did not try on.
Day 11
Book flights into Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) and compare one-stop routings through Paris CDG, London Heathrow or Brussels against direct options. — Search LYS rather than Paris so the ground transfer to the Cité Internationale stays short.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Palais des congrès de Lyon
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Salon Du Randonneur registration concourse
Palais des congrès de Lyon
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Palais des congrès de Lyon
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
EUR 5 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | EUR 5 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Salon Du Randonneur fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Salon Du Randonneur, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures. solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Salon Du Randonneur in Lyon.
Min. budget
$634.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures. products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,853.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Lyon show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the show held and how do I get there by public transport?
The event takes place at the Palais des congrès / Centre de Congrès de Lyon in the Cité Internationale on the Rhône. TCL runs Lyon's metro, tram, funicular and bus network and publishes a dedicated route guide to the Centre des Congrès; Moovit also lists live routes to the Palais des congrès stop in the 6th arrondissement.
Which airport should I fly into for Lyon?
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the city's main gateway. Lyon Aéroport publishes the transfer options between the airport and the city centre, and sample one-stop routings from New York via London Heathrow, Paris CDG or Brussels appeared on Google Flights for the March 2027 dates.
Where should I stay near the venue?
Hotels inside the Cité Internationale, such as the Lyon Marriott Hotel Cité Internationale, are walking distance to the Centre de Congrès. Alternatives in the capture set include Novotel Lyon Centre Confluence Bord de Saone on the Saône, the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon in the centre, the 5-star Cour des Loges in Vieux Lyon, and the budget Kyriad Lyon Est Stadium Eurexpo.
Is there parking at the Palais des congrès de Lyon?
The Cité Internationale complex has its own car parks, listed as Cité Internationale P0, P1 and P2 by operator LPA Mobilités, and third-party parking sites list the Palais des Congrès car park for booking. Rates and availability should be checked with the operator before you travel.
What kind of exhibitors and products will I find?
Expect manufacturers of hiking and biking equipment, outdoor apparel and accessories vendors, vanlife vehicle and camping-gear providers, outdoor tech and app companies, and travel services and tour operators focused on outdoor experiences. The show mixes consumer gear shopping with activity and trip planning.
Glossary
- GR route (Grande Randonnée)
- France's long-distance waymarked trail network, blazed with a white stripe above a red stripe and signed at junctions. FFRandonnée coordinates the GR system, and GR itineraries are the backbone of the multi-day trips French hikers plan before a season.
- PR route (Promenade et Randonnée)
- Shorter local walking loop, usually a half-day or day route near a village or trailhead, marked in yellow. PR loops are what most visitors to a Lyon hiking show are looking for when they want a weekend walk rather than a long traverse.
- Bivouac
- A lightweight overnight stop in a tent or under a tarp away from campsites. In France it is tolerated in many areas but restricted in national parks and nature reserves, often to evening arrival and early departure, so check local rules before planning a night out.
- Refuge
- Staffed mountain hut, typically with dormitory beds, a communal meal and no luggage service. Booking ahead matters in peak season, and huts usually expect a sleeping bag liner rather than a full sleeping bag.
- Base weight
- The weight of your pack and everything in it, excluding consumables such as food, water and fuel. Comparing base weight is the fairest way to judge packs and shelters across brands on the show floor.
- Ultralight (UL)
- A packing approach that strips every item to its minimum, with base weights commonly discussed in the 4.5 kg range and below. It is a design theme behind many tents, quilts and frameless packs shown at hiking fairs.
- DWR (durable water repellent)
- The factory finish on outer shell fabrics that makes rain bead up and roll off. DWR wears with abrasion and washing, and re-proofing sprays or washes are a routine maintenance item for waterproof jackets and trousers.
- Vanlife / fourgon aménagé
- Living and travelling from a converted van. French usage distinguishes a fourgon aménagé (a panel van fitted out as a camper) from a camping-car, and conversion exhibitors at the show focus on layout, insulation, power and water systems.
- Leave No Trace
- Seven-principle outdoor ethics framework covering trip planning, waste, campfire rules, wildlife and respect for other users. It is the reference point most European hiking bodies and national parks use when briefing visitors.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Salon Du Randonneur 2027
- Salon Du Randonneur Lyon 2027
- Lyon France
- Hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures
- Cycling equipment and apparel for enthusiasts
- Vanlife products including vehicles and camping gear
- Outdoor sports technology and apps
- Hiking gear and accessories for outdoor adventures.
- digital transformation expo
- Lyon technology expo 2027
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.