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August 28, 20268 min read

Motorcycle Shows in France 2026: Dates and Cities

From the Lyon Two-Wheeler Show to the Bol d'Or: dates, cities and details of the main motorcycle shows, races and festivals in France in 2026.

Motorcycle Shows in France 2026: Dates and Cities
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The 2026 motorcycle season in France runs from February to September, from the largest two-wheeler show in Europe to the great endurance races. This guide gathers the main motorcycle shows, races and festivals of the year, with their dates, cities and what to expect, so you know where to go whether you want to buy a bike, discover the manufacturers' new models or simply share the passion.

The French motorcycle calendar mixes three families of events. Trade shows, where dealers, brands and equipment makers display their models on stands. Races, from the Grand Prix to endurance. And festivals, from custom culture to motorcycle touring. Each format has its audience and its slot in the year: the big shows cluster in the first quarter, while races and festivals pace the spring and summer.

The Lyon Two-Wheeler Show, the flagship event

The Salon du 2 Roues in Lyon takes place from 26 February to 1 March 2026 at Eurexpo Lyon. It is the largest motorcycle show in France and one of the biggest in Europe. The previous edition drew around 800 exhibitors and 161,000 visitors according to the organizer, up 7%. Across 155,000 sq m, the 33rd edition brings together manufacturers, tuners, equipment makers and test-ride areas. A preview evening reserved for professionals and press opens the show on Wednesday 25 February.

If you only remember one date, this is it: the Salon du 2 Roues concentrates most of the year's new models, across every segment (touring, adventure, roadster, electric, scooter). The organizer has already announced the following edition, from 11 to 14 February 2027 at the same venue.

Regional motorcycle shows

Beyond Lyon, several regional shows let you see the models and meet dealers closer to home.

  • Salon de la Moto du Grand-Est (Metz): 7 and 8 March 2026 at the Metz exhibition centre. The 13th edition gathers regional dealers and more than 40 brands, with an indoor test track and a used-bike area. Entry is 10 euros, free for under-12s according to the organizer.
  • On The Road (Marseille): 10 to 12 April 2026 at Parc Chanot. The Marseille motorcycle, scooter and bicycle show combines exhibition, activities and test rides.
  • Iron Motors (Tremblay-en-France): 25 and 26 April 2026 at Circuit Carole, near Paris. A gathering focused on vintage bikes, customs and cafe racers, with track sessions and an exhibitor village.
  • Salon Moto Légende (Paris): after the 2025 edition was cancelled, the organizer is preparing a return in 2026. Dates are not yet confirmed at the time of writing: check the official site.
  • The big races and festivals

    The other side of the season is the races and festivals, which often draw as many exhibitors and spectators as the shows.

  • 24 Heures Motos (Le Mans): 16 to 19 April 2026 on the Bugatti circuit. France's great endurance race, with paddock, village and concerts.
  • French Motorcycle Grand Prix (Le Mans): 8 to 10 May 2026, also at Le Mans. The French round of MotoGP, one of the best-attended Grands Prix of the championship.
  • Wheels and Waves (Biarritz): 10 to 14 June 2026. A festival of its own, blending custom motorcycles, surf, skate, art and music on the Basque coast.
  • Alpes Aventure Motofestival (Barcelonnette): 4 to 6 September 2026. The 10th edition of the biggest festival dedicated to adventure and touring, with free entry according to the organizer.
  • Bol d'Or (Le Castellet): 17 to 20 September 2026 at the Paul Ricard circuit. The legendary 24-hour endurance race that closes the season.
  • The 2026 motorcycle calendar at a glance

    EventCity2026 datesType
    Salon du 2 RouesLyon (Eurexpo)26 Feb to 1 MarShow
    Salon de la Moto du Grand-EstMetz7 to 8 MarShow
    On The RoadMarseille10 to 12 AprShow
    24 Heures MotosLe Mans16 to 19 AprRace
    Iron MotorsTremblay-en-France25 to 26 AprFestival
    French Motorcycle Grand PrixLe Mans8 to 10 MayRace
    Wheels and WavesBiarritz10 to 14 JunFestival
    Alpes Aventure MotofestivalBarcelonnette4 to 6 SepFestival
    Bol d'OrLe Castellet17 to 20 SepRace

    The Salon Moto Légende (Paris) is not yet in this table as its dates are unconfirmed: it will be added once officially announced.

    Show, race or festival: which one to pick?

    The right choice depends on what you are after. To compare models, negotiate and see every brand in one place, a trade show like Lyon or Metz is hard to beat, especially early in the year when the new models land. For sporting atmosphere and performance, the Le Mans races and the Bol d'Or deliver the spectacle, the paddock and closeness to the riders. For culture and travel, festivals like Wheels and Waves or the Alpes Aventure Motofestival put the emphasis on meeting people, riding out and community spirit.

    Behind the scenes: running a motorcycle show

    Behind a show like Lyon, with its 800 or so exhibitors, or Metz and its dozens of dealers, lies heavy logistics: exhibitor registration, stand layout, reservation tracking and communication with each brand. To run that organization and measure attendance or fill rate, French trade show management software such as Keyqo, specialized in exhibitor management and interactive floor plans, includes event analytics dashboards that track reservations and performance in real time.

    FAQ

    What is the largest motorcycle show in France?

    The Salon du 2 Roues in Lyon is the largest motorcycle show in France and one of the biggest in Europe. The 2026 edition runs from 26 February to 1 March at Eurexpo Lyon and gathers around 800 exhibitors across 155,000 sq m, after 161,000 visitors at the previous edition according to the organizer.

    Is there a motorcycle show in Paris in 2026?

    There is no major national two-wheeler show in Paris in 2026, as the Mondial de la Moto is not held every year. The Salon Moto Légende, dedicated to vintage motorcycles, is preparing a return in 2026 after the 2025 edition was cancelled, but the dates are not yet confirmed.

    When is the Lyon Two-Wheeler Show 2026?

    The Salon du 2 Roues in Lyon 2026 runs from 26 February to 1 March 2026 at Eurexpo Lyon, with a preview evening for professionals and press on Wednesday 25 February. The 2027 edition is already announced from 11 to 14 February.

    What are the main motorcycle events in France in 2026?

    Beyond the shows, the 2026 season includes the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans (16 to 19 April), the French Motorcycle Grand Prix (8 to 10 May), the Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz (10 to 14 June), the Alpes Aventure Motofestival (4 to 6 September) and the Bol d'Or at Le Castellet (17 to 20 September).

    How much does entry to a motorcycle show cost?

    It varies by event. The Salon de la Moto du Grand-Est in Metz, for example, charges 10 euros for entry, free for under-12s according to the organizer. Some festivals, like the Alpes Aventure Motofestival in Barcelonnette, offer free entry.

    Going further

    If you follow or organize other passion-driven shows in France, here are our companion guides:

  • Car shows in France 2026: the complete calendar: the year's major car shows, dates and cities, a sector close to motorcycles.
  • Boat shows in France 2026: the calendar: boats and leisure, the same logic of passion shows with exhibitors and test rides.
  • Trade show booth design: the guide: for exhibitors preparing their stand, from layout to staging.