Forum Franchise Lyon 2026: nearly 150 brands expected

The 18th Forum Franchise Lyon will take place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, near Lyon. Organised by the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), the event expects more than 2,000 visitors and nearly 150 brands. For prospective franchisees, the day offers an opportunity to meet franchise networks and explore the key stages of setting up a business.

A regional event for comparing franchise networks

According to an overview published on 24 September by Lyon Entreprises, Forum Franchise Lyon will welcome regional, national and international brands. It will run from 9am to 6pm, with free admission on registration, restricted to prospective franchisees, franchisors and industry professionals.

The announced figures remain attendance and participation targets: more than 2,000 visitors are expected, alongside nearly 150 brands. They are therefore forecasts, not results from an event that has yet to take place.

For anyone planning to start a business, the value of this kind of gathering lies in being able to compare several opportunities in a single day. That comparison should, however, go beyond brand recognition. The required personal financial contribution, total investment, preferred territory, owner's day-to-day role and available support are all points to consider before the first discussions.

Shortlisting networks in advance can help visitors spend more time with brands that suit their budget and experience, rather than simply collecting contacts without a clear purpose.

Sixteen conference sessions and five workshops announced

The programme includes 16 conference sessions and five workshops, covering the main stages of setting up a business. Announced topics include choosing a franchisor, securing finance, reviewing the contract and preparing to launch. The transition from independent business owner to franchisor is also on the agenda.

This range of topics allows participants to explore franchising from several angles: joining an existing network, but also considering how to expand their own business through franchising. Participants will therefore arrive with different questions and at different stages of their planning.

For prospective franchisees, the sessions on finance and contracts can usefully complement discussions at exhibition stands. A sales presentation provides an initial understanding of the concept; it does not replace a detailed review of the commitments, costs and operating conditions involved.

Visitors are advised to plan a schedule that combines meetings with information sessions. The practical aim should be to leave with a list of points to check, documents to request and contacts to follow up with, rather than a rushed decision.

National market context provided by the CCI

The Lyon event takes place against a backdrop of growth, according to market figures cited by the CCI. These figures, reported by Lyon Entreprises, show that franchising generated €93.71 billion in turnover in France in 2025, an increase of 4.9%. The sector also accounts for more than one million jobs.

On recruitment, the same overview reports that 52% of franchisees had hired at least one person over the previous 12 months, and 20% had hired at least three employees. These indicators offer a national perspective on business activity and employment within franchise networks.

They do not, however, predict the profitability of any individual outlet. For prospective franchisees, national data provides context, not a guarantee of results. Further analysis needs to focus on the proposed concept, location, funding requirements and staffing needed to run the business.

APEF confirms attendance on 8 October

APEF is among the networks that have announced their participation. In a news item published on 25 September by L’Observatoire de la franchise, the home and personal services brand confirmed that it would attend the 18th edition, from 9am to 6pm.

The Lyon event forms part of its schedule of meetings with prospective business owners, career changers and franchisees. It offers a concrete example of a network visitors will be able to meet at the forum, without representing the full range of brands expected to attend.

Key takeaway: register before travelling, prioritise the networks you want to meet and prepare the same questions for each one. This will make it easier to compare their answers after the event.