Venue

Discover more about the
European Sport Congress
The 2025 edition of the European Sport Congress will be held in Lille, France. In 2024, Lille hosted several Olympic events, leaving a powerful legacy for the sport community.
On this page, you will find information about the European Sport Congress transportation and accommodation.
lille
Located in the north of France, Lille is a vibrant metropolis at the crossroads of European cultures, where French elegance meets Flemish charm. As the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, it offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and warm hospitality.
With nearly 240,000 inhabitants, Lille is a youthful and creative city, home to a large student population and a growing number of tech and start-up companies. The city’s historic centre is filled with cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and lively squares, while its modern districts reflect its forward-thinking spirit.
Beyond its cultural and architectural treasures, Lille boasts a thriving gastronomy scene. From hearty northern specialities like carbonade flamande to exquisite pastries and the region’s beloved gaufres, every meal is a celebration. And let’s not forget the locally brewed beers and the iconic estaminets, traditional taverns where you can feel the true pulse of local life.
Lille is a city where sport plays a central role. With state-of-the-art facilities, green spaces, cycling paths, and a strong community of active citizens, the city supports a healthy and active lifestyle. From urban sports to team events, indoor climbing, and large-scale running events, there’s something for every kind of sports enthusiast.
One of the city’s standout features is its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Lille is deeply involved in urban transformation projects and digital development, aiming to build a smart, inclusive city for the future. Projects such as “Lille Métropole 2020 – World Design Capital” have placed it on the international map for creativity and citizen-led innovation.
But what truly makes Lille unforgettable is its people. Lillois are known for their warmth, openness, and enthusiasm – whether it’s during a neighbourhood braderie, a match at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, or simply in a friendly exchange at a local café. In Lille, life feels shared – not just lived.
La laboral
La Laboral City of Culture is a project by the Principality of Asturias to provide an open and plural city, with spaces dedicated to education, culture and innovation.
With 130,000 built square metres, it holds the Faculty of Commerce, Tourism and Social Sciences of the University of Oviedo, the broadcasting corporation of the Principality, the College of Dramatic Arts, a church, a library, gardens, offices of the municipality and many other services.
The venue of the EUSC is the theatre of La Laboral which holds over 1.000 people. It was first conceived as a lecture hall for students and teachers and it is now one of the best spaces in the north of Spain with regard to space, capacity and technology.
In this building one can find, besides the theatre hall, the picturesque room, rehearsal rooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms and auxiliary spaces, making it an ideal place to hold the European Sport Congress as participants can have access to different spaces that convey their needs throughout the event.
La Laboral is part of the Knowledge Mile, an initiative that hosts the key agents of the city’s innovation system in a space of approximately one mile where technology and science coexist with art and culture.
Transportation
Getting to Lille
Lille is easily accessible by plane, with multiple daily flights from major European cities such as Paris, London, and Brussels to Lille-Lesquin Airport (LIL). Several airlines operate direct flights to Lille, including Air France, EasyJet, Ryanair, and Brussels Airlines.
Moreover, Lille is connected to various European capitals by train, making it especially easy to reach from Brussels, Paris, and others.
Once you arrive to Lille’s airport, you can choose between a FlixBus or a taxi to get to the city centre. FlixBus services run regularly, with tickets priced around €6 and a journey time of approximately 1 hour. A taxi ride costs around €20 and takes about 20 minutes.
In addition to Lille, there are nearby airports in Brussels, Paris, and Charleroi, all with bus connections to Lille. The bus connection from Brussels is about 1.5 hours away, while Paris and Charleroi are approximately 2 to 3 hours by bus.
Moving in Lille
Lille’s public transportation system includes buses, metro, and trams running frequently, every 7 to 10 minutes, connecting all parts of the city. A single ticket costs around €1.15. You can find more information on the Ilévia website. The city is also served by bike-sharing schemes, offering an eco-friendly way to get around. TDVE services like Uber and Bolt are available in Lille, in addition to taxis.
Accommodation
As a tourism-friendly city, Gijón has many different options for accommodation. We have selected a list of hotels for you. Have a look at the events’ map to prepare your trip and check distances. Transportation from San Lorenzo beach to La Laboral and back is provided by the organisation.
Social
The European Sport Congress is a unique opportunity to meet new people, strengthen relationships, connect with individuals with similar interests and ambitions, and exchange ideas. There are several moments to mingle at the congress, but we highlight two events organized especially for participants to have the chance to socialize:
"Espicha" dinner experience



On the night of the 20th of September, attendees get the chance to experiment with an “Espicha”, a typical gathering in Asturias to drink local cider while standing up, chatting and tasting traditional dishes.
This event is taking place at Tierra Astur, a well-known cider house with regional cuisine and a feverish environment, aimed at providing the emblematic spirit of Asturias to its clients.
Gala dinner
A gala dinner will take place at the NH Hotel, on the 21st of September at 20:30, starting with a welcome cocktail on the rooftop of the hotel.
The dress code is business casual. The weather in Gijón, in September, is usually warm with temperatures around 20°C.