Fêtes Consulaires

The Fêtes Consulaires: The Whole World in the Heart of Lyon

A unique event in France, the Fêtes Consulaires de Lyon have been celebrating the city's openness to the world for over twenty years. Every June, Place Bellecour—Europe's largest pedestrian square—transforms into an international village where consular delegations from nearly 70 countries invite Lyonnais and visitors on a journey around the world without leaving the city center.

World Cultural Heritage at Your Fingertips

The heart of the Fêtes Consulaires are the consulate stands and foreign communities based in Lyon. Each represented country unveils its riches through exhibitions, craft demonstrations, culinary tastings, and artistic performances. From Japan to Brazil, from Italy to Senegal, from Turkey to Mexico, it's a true world tour of flavors, know-how, and traditions offered to visitors.

Gastronomy at the Heart of the Event

The gastronomic dimension of the Fêtes Consulaires is one of its major attractions. The stands offer authentic specialties prepared by community members: couscous, empanadas, sushi, tagines, dim sum, pastéis de nata, and many other dishes from around the globe. It's a unique opportunity to taste world cuisine in a festive and friendly atmosphere, in the heart of the city that gave birth to French gastronomy.

A Festive and Participatory Program

Beyond discovering the stands, the Fêtes Consulaires offer a rich program of animations and shows. Traditional dance performances, world music concerts, martial arts demonstrations, and interactive workshops punctuate the two days of the event. Quizzes and cultural games allow the public to test their knowledge about the represented countries, with prizes to be won. Virtual reality experiences complete this innovative program.

Lyon, Consular Capital

With nearly 70 consulates represented in its territory, Lyon has the second-largest consular corps in France after Paris. This exceptional diplomatic presence testifies to the metropolis's international influence and its economic and cultural attractiveness. The Fêtes Consulaires embody this international dimension by offering a moment of sharing and intercultural dialogue open to all.

A Unifying and Free Event

With over 30,000 visitors each year, the Fêtes Consulaires have become an anticipated event on the Lyon calendar. The free admission, the central location of Place Bellecour, and the diversity of offerings make it a popular and unifying highlight, where families, students, tourists, and the curious gather to celebrate the richness of cultural diversity together.