International Tattoo Show 2025 at the Vélodrome National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

Looking for an original event in the Yvelines? The International Tattoo Show is back for a second edition, after attracting 6,040 visitors to its first edition in 2024. Organized by Jérôme Delesalle and Éric Jeanne, emblematic figures in the world of tattooing in France, the show is coming to Yvelines with a clear ambition: to showcase French talent while welcoming artists from the four corners of the globe.

Let's face it, holding a tattoo show in a velodrome is something out of the ordinary! And not just any velodrome, since we're talking about the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines national velodrome, the prestigious sports venue that hosted the cycling events of the 2024 Olympic Games. Completed in 2014 in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, this exceptional venue which usually houses the French Cycling Federation is being transformed for the weekend into a veritable temple of body art. It's an impressive setting for discovering the world of tattooing.

On the program side, 200 stands take over the space, all selected by the organizers to guarantee the quality of the event. Visitors can get tattooed, pierced or buy quality jewelry. New this year is the presence of Tahitian artists, including Puroto, one of the masters of traditional tattooing. We like this cultural diversity, as it reflects the richness of this age-old art form, which continues to appeal to all generations.

What we particularly like is that you don't just get to look at the finished works. Visitors can watch tattoos being created live, and chat with the artists. It's even possible to book an appointment in advance to secure the services of the tattoo artist of your choice. From neo-traditional to realism, pointillism or Japanese style, all styles are represented. Enough to satisfy neophytes as well as enthusiasts who already have more space on their skin.

What competitions and events await us at the show?

Four artistic competitions punctuate the weekend, judged by a 100% international jury that we can't wait to discover. Presiding over the jury is Durb Morrison, living legend of American tattooing, accompanied by Makani Terror, a German model with a following in the millions, Angel Hyde, a renowned tattoo artist from Barcelona, and Manuella Ana, a French artist based in Paris. The winner of "Best of Show" will receive a trip to the USA, including flights, accommodation and a VIP pass to the Hell City Convention. What a motivating prize!

In addition to tattooing, a variety of other events will enrich the experience, and promise to be a real eye-opener. On Saturday, fourteen professional cosplayers embody the heroes of the Marvel & DC Comics universe: Batman, Catwoman, Wolverine and many others. Burlesque shows, pin-up performances and artistic hula hooping complete this eclectic program. For this new edition, a wrestling gala with a ring set up in the heart of the velodrome promises spectacular moments thanks to the Wrestling Pro Essonne organization, with twelve bouts over the weekend. It's sure to set the mood!

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How do I get to the Velodrome National in Yvelines?

The velodrome is located at 1 rue Laurent Fignon in Montigny-le-Bretonneux. By public transport, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines station can be reached by RER C and Transilien N and U lines, about 1.5 km on foot from the velodrome. Bus 419 from Porte d'Orléans and Châtillon-Montrouge stops at Institut Franco-Japonais in around 45 minutes. By car, access is easy via the A12 or A86 motorways, with free parking on site.

This exceptional sports facility, which can accommodate 6,000 people including 5,000 bleacher seats, proved its versatility by even transforming itself into a giant vaccinodrome during the pandemic. Its modularity means that it can be used for all kinds of events, and it's fair to say that tattooing fits right in.

The renewal of this event proves that the world of tattooing is definitely taking root. The organizers aim to make Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines a must-attend event that showcases French talent while providing an international showcase. A challenge that seems well on the way to being met.

The show runs from 11am to 9pm on Saturday September 27, and from 10am to 7pm on Sunday September 28, 2025. Prices: pre-sales for one day cost 15 euros, on-site 17.50 euros. Admission is free for minors accompanied by an adult. Our tip: buy your tickets in advance to take advantage of the reduced rate. Further information on the official show website and reservations on Placeminute.

So head to the Vélodrome National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to immerse yourself in the world of tattooing from the 4 corners of the globe!