The EuroGames 2025 are hosted in Lyon, France, from 23rd to 26th July. These four days are an important event in the European sporting Calendar – for the sports, and for what the games stand for. And if you’ve not heard of them before, the EuroGames are Europe’s leading inclusive sporting event.
Organized by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), the EuroGames promote equality and diversity through sports. This year’s edition will feature over 30 sports disciplines, including football, swimming, athletics, and martial arts, welcoming athletes of all levels and backgrounds. It’s a powerful demonstration of inclusion and diversity on a large scale, where organisers, participants, and spectators alike all promote a respectful and diverse sporting environment.
To and fro, and out & about in Lyons during the EuroGames
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport serves multiple international destinations so it will be the arrival point for many competitors and their teams. From the airport, the rhônexpress rail link connects the airport to Lyon’s city center in under 30 minutes, with tickets priced around €15 one-way. The city is also well served by the French national rail system. Lyon is on France’s high-speed TGV network, with Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache being the main stations.
Public transport in Lyon is run by Transport en Commun Lyonnais (TCL) and includes the Bus, Metro, and Tram networks. There are 4 metro lines, 6 tram lines, 2 funicular railways and over a hundred bus routes. A single bus or tram ticket costs €2.00, while a day pass is available for €6. You can also buy books of ten 1-hour tickets for €19.50. A round trip funicular ticket costs €3.50.
And like most major cities, bike sharing is well established. The Vélo’V system provides self-service bicycles throughout the city. The first 30 minutes are free, with a charge of €0.10 per minute for the next half hour, €0.15 per minute for the third half hour, and €0.20 per minute thereafter.
Accommodation for EuroGames 2025
The organizers have partnered with numerous accommodations, from hostels to 4-star hotels, offering preferential rates for participants. Booking early is recommended, as demand is high during the event. For those seeking proximity to the event’s heart, staying near Place Liautey, the location of the EuroGames Village, is ideal. If booking late and outside the games’ arrangements, expect to pay over the odds for anywhere with rooms still available.
Gastronomy
Lyon is renowned for its delicious cuisine. During EuroGames, participants can enjoy vegetarian meals designed by local chefs for €13, including a main course and dessert.
For other items, you can expect typical prices to be in the following ranges:
- Baguette Sandwich: €3–€5
- Café Latte: €2.50–€3.50
- Beer (500ml): €5–€7
- Soft Drink (330ml): €2–€3
- Three course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant (without wine/beer): €65
For budget-friendly options, local markets and bakeries offer fresh produce and ready-to-eat items at reasonable prices.
Tipping in Lyon and at the EuroGames 2025
Tipping in France is not obligatory, as service charges are included in bills. However, leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated and, if you’re likely to return to a new favourite spot, recommended too.
In restaurants, leave €1–€2 or round up the bill. In cafés and bars, round up to the nearest Euro, and in taxis, tipping 5-10% will be about right. It’s customary to tip in cash, even when paying by card.
Cash or Card?
While digital payments are widely accepted in Lyon, carrying some cash is advisable, especially for small vendors including small bars and restaurants, and for tipping.
ATMs are available throughout the city, and most public transport tickets can be paid for using a bank or credit card. But having cash on hand can save time and hassle. Plus, cash is always good in an emergency, when networks fail unexpectedly, or if you just feel uneasy about using a card in a particular place.
And for UK travellers, Money4Travel offers a convenient Click & Collect solution for currency exchange. The Money4Travel marketplace ensures you get the best exchange rates within a ten minute drive of your post code, and online purchase is backed up by convenient collection from your chosen retailer locally. As a bonus, there’s a loyalty scheme (PIPs) which delivers future discounts, and a buy-back guarantee if you come home with cash unspent.
By securing Euros before departure, you can avoid unfavourable exchange rates and ensure you’re prepared for any cash-only situations. And with so much else to enjoy in Lyon, why not get ahead of the games, and travel with some Euros at the ready?
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Money4Travel – the online service for foreign currency sales in the UK. More about the author.
For reference: EuroGames Lyon 2025, European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation, Transport in Lyon, VeloV, Numbeo.
