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When should you book a hotel in Lyon?

In Lyon, hotels are filled by events rather than holidays: a trade-fair week can be busier than a summer month.

In short: Book several months ahead for the Fête des Lumières (early December), and as soon as dates are announced for Sirha, the big Eurexpo trade fairs and major concerts. June and September are the busiest months of the year. The rest of the time, a few weeks ahead is usually enough.

Updated on November 3, 2026

Candles in the windows during the Fête des Lumières

When hotels fill up

The figures below come from the ONLYLYON tourist office and the UMIH–GNC hotel observatory (MKG data).

PeriodWhyWhat the figures say
Early DecemberFête des LumièresIn 2024: 77% of rooms occupied on average over the 4 nights, over 92% on the Saturday.
Late January (odd years)Sirha, at EurexpoIn January 2025, the month of Sirha, average hotel prices in Greater Lyon rose by more than 31% compared with January 2024.
JuneNuits de Fourvière, concerts, trade fairsBusiest month of 2025: 77.7% occupancy.
SeptemberTrade fairs and congresses resume, Biennale75.5% occupancy in September 2025.
Big concert and match nightsGroupama Stadium, LDLC ArenaNo general figure: it depends on the act. Hotels in eastern Lyon go first.
Rest of the year—69.3% average occupancy over 2025.

How far ahead to book

  • Fête des Lumières: several months ahead. Three weeks before the 2025 edition, hotels were already 69% booked on average and more than 83% for the Saturday.
  • Sirha and big Eurexpo trade fairs: as soon as the dates are published, especially if you want to stay near Eurexpo or Part-Dieu.
  • Major concert or match: as soon as the date is announced, ideally before tickets go on sale.
  • Outside these dates: a few weeks is usually enough, and rooms are still available at the last minute.

If everything is full or too expensive

  • Stay further out but on a direct line: Confluence or Brotteaux for the Fête des Lumières, Part-Dieu for the stadium, Bron, Chassieu or Saint-Priest for Eurexpo.
  • Shift by one night: Saturday is almost always the most requested night.
  • Pick a room with free cancellation: you keep an option and can switch if a better room frees up.

Upcoming dates that fill Lyon hotels

DatesEventVenue
November 6 – 8, 2026Epoqu'auto classic car show 2026Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
November 17 – 20, 2026Piscine Global Europe 2026Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
November 28 – 29, 2026Japan Touch 2026Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
December 5 – 8, 2026Fête des Lumières 2026City centre, Presqu'île
January 16 – 17, 2027Muse in concert 2027LDLC Arena, Décines
January 21 – 25, 2027Sirha Lyon 2027Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
February 11 – 14, 2027Salon du 2 Roues 2027Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
March 15 – 18, 2027Global Industrie 2027Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
March 27 – April 5, 2027Foire de Lyon 2027Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
March 31 – April 2, 2027BePOSITIVE 2027Eurexpo Lyon, Chassieu
May 21 – 22, 2027European rugby finals (Challenge Cup & Champions Cup) 2027Groupama Stadium, Décines
July 10, 2027Soprano in concert 2027Groupama Stadium, Décines

All events in Lyon

Where to stay

Areas that keep the most choice in busy weeks:

Sources

Questions

What is the most expensive time to stay in Lyon?

The Fête des Lumières in early December, especially the Saturday: over 92% of rooms were occupied that Saturday in 2024. In Sirha years, at the end of January, prices also rise sharply.

How far ahead should I book for the Fête des Lumières?

Several months. Three weeks before the 2025 edition, 69% of rooms were already booked on average, and more than 83% for the Saturday.

Can I find a hotel in Lyon at the last minute?

Usually yes outside major events. During the Fête des Lumières, Sirha or a big concert, look at Part-Dieu, Confluence or towns on the tram network.

More guides

See available rooms