Why you should go to the Epoqu'Auto show

Whether you're a classic car enthusiast or a youngtimer aficionado, looking for a part or accessory to complete your car's restoration, seeking information on services related to the world of collector cars, or simply curious, the Epoqu'Auto show should be marked in red on your calendar. It's the place to be at the end of next week. This show, which takes over all the halls of the Eurexpo park in Lyon (next to the highway leading to Grenoble) for three days, has established itself as an unmissable annual event. Epoqu'Auto is a bit like Rétromobile in the 1980s, for those who remember the early editions of the Parisian event at the Porte de Versailles. Maintaining a friendly atmosphere, the Lyon show joyfully blends genres without taking itself too seriously. There is something for everyone, with exhibitions of popular cars of all ages, prestige and sports models from brands that have disappeared or are well-established, Automobilia, auction houses, car and spare parts dealers, literature, motorcycles and industrial vehicles.

The 2025 edition stays true to tradition, highlighting some glorious chapters in French automotive history. Epoqu'Auto is one of the last opportunities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Citroën DS. The show dedicates the largest exhibition space in Hall 5 to it. Visitors can admire a fine selection of versions showcasing a wide range of colors. Fans of the revolutionary double-chevron sedan can discover in Lyon the DS 21 Pallas, which served General de Gaulle from 1965 to the end of 1967. This model regularly accompanied the presidential couple on their travels between the Élysée Palace and La Boisserie, the family residence in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. The Lyon show also pays tribute to the Peugeot 205 T16 which dominated the World Rally Championship in the Group B era. Forty years ago, the Sochaux-built car won its first title with Timo Salonen.

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This was the era when France also shone in Formula 1 with Ligier. A unique retrospective recounts this glorious chapter of our history. Thanks to the support of Ligier Automotive, we see many single-seaters that distinguished themselves on circuits around the world, notably with Jacques Laffite. The exhibition reminds us that Guy Ligier's adventure began in endurance racing with the JS2 Berlinettes.

Epoqu'Auto also dedicates a space to supercars from the 1980s and 1990s. Between the Coligny Museum and private collectors, no fewer than 14 vehicles are on display. The prize for exclusivity goes to the Mercedes CLK GTR developed by the AMG sports division to meet GT1 racing regulations. This area will also allow visitors to discover a Bugatti EB110 GT from the Artioli era, the Venturi 400 Trophy in which auctioneer Hervé Poulain distinguished himself in the one-make championship organized by Stéphane Ratel, as well as a Ferrari F50, a Maserati MC12, and a McLaren Senna.

The show will undoubtedly remind everyone that Lyon and its surrounding region were once a major hub for the automotive industry. Besides Berliet, the capital of the Gauls saw the emergence of over a hundred manufacturers between 1896 and 1947: Rochet Schneider, Audibert & Lavirotte, La Buire, Cottin & Desgouttes, Vermorel, Philos, Jean Gras, Luc Court, Fournier Marcadier, and Pilain, to name just a few. Local figure Gérard Gamand, publisher of Autodiva magazine, will present a retrospective of the French racing car manufacturer BBM, based in Amiens.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are also in for a treat with numerous stands and activities. Motorcycles will be featured in the first part (Friday the 7th) of the auction conducted by Osenat. On Saturday and Sunday, the auctioneer will disperse the cars. The most unusual lot in this sale is one of only three known examples of the Helica, a propeller-driven vehicle designed by engineer Marcel Leyat in the early 1920s. A symbol of the automotive industry's creativity, this vehicle is estimated to fetch between €100,000 and €180,000.

Practical information: Lyon Eurexpo. Prices: €18 / €30 - 2 days. Online purchase €16 until the opening of the show. Children under 12: free. Free parking P4 for classic cars (over 30 years old) and motorcycles, subject to availability.