Lyon Immersion Programme

Lyon Immersion Programme

Experience the epitome of hospitality excellence in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thisintensive one-week programme offers prospective students and hospitality professionals an unparalleled opportunity to explore the multifaceted tourism landscape of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.

From congress centres and luxury hotels to lifestyle concepts and Michelin-starred restaurants, discover how Lyon seamlessly blends traditional French hospitality with innovative tourism trends. Immerse yourself in strategic insights, hands-on visits, and networking opportunities that will transform your understanding of modern hospitality management.

Programme Overview

Duration & Dates
6-day intensive programme

A carefully curated week designed to maximise learning through strategic site visits, expert conferences, and practical experiences across Lyon’s diverse tourism sectors.

Investment
€1,750 per person (Including tax)

Comprehensive package covering urban transport with airport transfers, entrance fees, guided tours, expert speakers, and evening networking activities. International travel, accommodation, and meals arranged separately.

Gastronomy Tourism
Explore Lyon’s renowned culinary heritage through gourmet experiences

Business Travel
Discover conference facilities and corporate hospitality solutions

Luxury Hospitality
Visit prestigious establishments and Michelin-starred venues

Lifestyle Concepts
Experience innovative hotel designs and sustainable tourism practices

Lyon: A Tourism Powerhouse

3rd

Largest City
In France by population and economic significance

500

Heritage Hectares
UNESCO World Heritage List inscription

2nd

Conference City
Leading French destination for international conferences

126

Direct Destinations
From Lyon’s international airport

Strategic Location

  • 2 hours from Paris
  • 2 hours from the Alps
  • 1h 20 from Mediterranean coast

Transport Hub

  • 3 TGV high-speed stations
  • 5 motorways to European cities
  • 4th largest French airport

World Recognition

  • World Capital of Gastronomy
  • 2nd largest hotel capacity
  • ICCA rankings leader

Day One: First Discoveries

1. Morning: Strategic Introduction

Conference: “Strategic challenges of tourism for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: which activities? which target audiences?”
Begin your journey with expert insights into regional tourism strategy, understanding how Lyon positions itself within the broader French tourism ecosystem and identifies key market segments.

2. Afternoon: Historical Context

Guided Tour: “From Bellecour to Vieux-Lyon”
Explore Lyon’s UNESCO-listed old town, discovering the architectural and cultural heritage that forms the foundation of the city’s tourism appeal. Walk through cobblestone streets and understand how history informs modern hospitality.

3. Evening: Building Connections

Networking Eventwith French MBA students
Connect with current students pursuing hospitality and tourism management, exchanging perspectives and building professional relationships that extend beyond the programme.

Day Two: Business Travel Excellence

Understanding Business Tourism

Lyon’s position as France’s second-leading conference destination reflects sophisticated infrastructure and service standards. This day explores the business travel segment, examining how venues and hotels cater to corporate clients and international delegates.

The conference addresses critical questions: What distinguishes business tourism from leisure travel? How do venues adapt to evolving corporate expectations? What role does Lyon play in the competitive European MICE market?

  1. Morning Conference
    “Business travel in France and in Lyon: segments and target markets”
  2. Lyon Convention Centre
    Director’s welcome and comprehensive facility tour
  3. Crowne Plaza Visit
    Business hotel operations and service standards
  4. Evening Experience
    Lyon Ferris Wheel ride with panoramic city views

Day Three: Sustainable Mobility

Responsible Tourism in Action

Sustainability has become paramount in modern tourism development. This day examines how Lyon integrates mobility solutions withenvironmental responsibility, exploring the intersection of accessibility, tourist experience, and ecological impact.

  1. Morning Presentation
    Lyon Tourist Office explores “The role of mobility in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism”—understanding transport infrastructure as a competitive advantage
  2. Saône River Cruise
    Experience water-based tourism whilst discussing sustainable transport alternatives and their role in reducing urban congestion
  3. Musée des Confluences
    Visit this architectural landmark exploring natural sciences and anthropology—a cultural attraction accessible via sustainable transport

The afternoon combines practical experience with cultural enrichment, demonstrating how Lyon’s commitment to sustainable mobility enhances both resident quality of life and visitor experience.

Day Four: Lifestyle Innovation

The New Hospitality Paradigm

Contemporary travellers seek authentic, design-forward experiences that reflect local culture whilst providing modern comfort. The lifestyle hotel segment has emerged as a powerful force in hospitality, appealing particularly to millennial and Gen Z demographics who prioritise experience over traditional luxury.

This day explores two innovative Lyon concepts that exemplify the lifestyle approach: Eklo Hotel and Mob Hotel. Both properties challenge conventional hospitality models, emphasising community, sustainability, and distinctive design aesthetics.

  • Morning: Gourmet Rally
    Navigate Lyon’s streets on a culinary adventure, discovering artisan producers, traditional bouchons, and contemporary food concepts that define the city’s gastronomic identity
  • Eklo Hotel Visit
    Explore this smart-budget lifestyle concept combining design excellence with accessibility, targeting urban travellers seeking value without compromising aesthetics
  • Mob Hotel Tour
    Discover this eco-conscious lifestyle brand emphasising community, sustainability, and cultural programming—redefining what budget hospitality can achieve

Day Five: Luxury Hospitality Codes

Decoding Luxury Tourism

Luxury hospitality operates according to distinct codes and expectations that transcend mere opulence. This concluding day examines how prestigious establishments create exceptional experiences through meticulous attention to detail, personalised service, and sophisticatedunderstanding of international clientele.

  1. Expert Conference
    “Tourism and luxury: what are the codes? How to adapt to expectations of new international clientele?”—understanding evolving luxury definitions across cultures
  2. Villa Florentine
    Tour this five-star Renaissance convent conversion, examining how historic properties deliver contemporary luxury whilst honouring architectural heritage
  3. Villa Maïa
    Visit this boutique establishment showcasing intimate luxury, spa excellence, and personalised service philosophies
  4. Michelin-Starred Experience
    Explore Têtedoie or La Mère Brazier, understanding how gastronomy elevates luxury hospitality and creates memorable experiences

The luxury segment demands comprehensive understanding of service excellence, cultural sensitivity, and the subtle details that distinguish exceptional from ordinary. This day provides invaluable insights for professionals aspiring to lead in premium hospitality environments.

Programme Inclusions & Practicalities

What’s Included

  • Urban transport card with airport transfers
  • All entrance fees to sites and museums
  • Professional guided tours throughout
  • Expert speakers and conference sessions
  • Evening networking activities
  • Site visits to hotels and venues
  • Gourmet experiences and tastings

Participant Arrangements

  • International flights to/from Lyon
  • Hotel accommodation during stay
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Additional activities outside programme

Investment Value
At €1,750 per person including tax, this programme delivers exceptional value through curated access to Lyon’s premier tourism facilities, expert insights from industry leaders, and comprehensive exploration of diverse hospitality segments—an investment in professional development and industry knowledge.

Ideal Participants
This programme suits hospitality management students, tourism professionals seeking specialisation, hotel operators exploring new concepts, and anyone passionate about understanding how leading European cities approach modern tourism challenges whilst maintaining cultural authenticity.

Connect with Us

Ready to transform your understanding of hospitality and lifestyle tourism? The FIGS Education team stands ready to answer your questions, provide additional programme details, and guide you through the enrolment process.

Wael Azeem
Head of International Promotion & Short-Term Programmes
wael.a@ureka.co.uk
Contact Wael for programme details, curriculum questions, and international participant enquiries.

Berto Prosperi
International Dircetor
berto@internationalisons.fr
Reach Berto for strategic partnerships, institutional collaborations, and programme development.

Enrolment opens now for June 2026, spaces are limited to ensure intimate group experiences and meaningful industry access. Secure your place in this transformative week exploring Lyon’s exceptional hospitality landscape.

Contact Information

Ms. Malak Jaber

+971 50 207 3899
malak.j@ureka.co.uk

Mon – Fri 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.

 

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