Les Lions du Rire

Les Lions du Rire: The Lyon Comedy Talent Contest

Founded in 2016, the Les Lions du Rire festival has quickly established itself as one of the major comedy events in the Lyon metropolitan area. Held in the majestic setting of the Bourse du Travail, Place Guichard in the 3rd arrondissement, this festival celebrates the new generation of French comedy every May with infectious energy and a keen eye for discovering tomorrow's gems.

Exceptional Sponsorship

For six years, the festival has benefited from the prestigious sponsorship of Smaïn, a key figure in French comedy, who lends his artistic endorsement and network to the event. Pascal Légitimus, a legendary member of Les Inconnus, also supports the festival, testifying to the quality of the programming and the ambition of this Lyon-based talent contest.

A Launchpad for Tomorrow's Talents

The beating heart of Les Lions du Rire is its young talent competition. Dozens of candidates are auditioned throughout the year during open casting sessions. The selected finalists then perform on the prestigious stage of the Bourse du Travail in front of a jury of professionals and an enthusiastic audience. Many winners have gone on to pursue notable careers on national stages.

A Rich and Varied Program

Beyond the talent contest, Les Lions du Rire offers a comprehensive program that combines headline shows, screenings of comedic short films, and special evenings. Each edition features new formats, such as improvisation battles and masterclasses led by established comedians, thus offering a complete panorama of contemporary humor.

The Bourse du Travail: A Historic Venue

The Bourse du Travail de Lyon, an Art Deco architectural masterpiece built in 1934, provides a grand setting for Les Lions du Rire. Its large 1,800-seat hall, with remarkable acoustics, ensures optimal performance conditions. The combination of this architectural heritage and the vitality of contemporary humor gives the festival a unique identity in the Lyon cultural landscape.