France is not just about Paris. For 2026, the academic spotlight shifts to the dynamic cities of Lyon and Toulouse. Both cities are major European tech hubs—Lyon for its industrial history and digital growth, and Toulouse as the aerospace capital of Europe.
Here are the top 4 confirmed international conferences in France for 2026 that you should be preparing for right now.1. Software & Systems: ICoSSE 2026
If your research focuses on the architecture of complex software systems, the 9th International Conference on Software and System Engineering (ICoSSE 2026) is your target. Held in Lyon, this conference is a stable platform for publishing rigorous engineering research.
• When: April 13–15, 2026
• Where: Lyon, France
• Focus: Software Architecture, System Modeling, and Maintenance.
• Publication: Proceedings are typically indexed by Ei Compendex and Scopus.
• Deadline Watch: Abstract submissions usually close in late January 2026.
Official Website: http://www.icsse.org/
2. Data Analysis & Geoinformatics: ICGDA 2026
Running alongside ICoSSE in Lyon is the 9th International Conference on Geoinformatics and Data Analysis (ICGDA 2026). This is a perfect venue if your work bridges the gap between data science and geospatial technologies.
• When: April 13–15, 2026
• Where: Lyon, France
• Focus: Big Data Analytics, Geoinformatics, and Remote Sensing.
• Why Submit: It’s an interdisciplinary event that allows for unique networking between data scientists and geographers.
Official Website: https://www.icgda.org/
3. Signal Processing Frontiers: ICFSP 2026
Moving south to the "Pink City," Toulouse will host the 11th International Conference on Frontiers of Signal Processing (ICFSP 2026). Entering its 11th year, this conference attracts a specialized crowd of engineers and physicists.
• When: June 10–12, 2026
• Where: Toulouse, France
• Focus: Signal Processing, Image & Video Processing, and Wireless Communications.
• Deadline Watch: The submission deadline is typically early February 2026.
Official Website: https://www.icfsp.org/
4. AI & Image Processing: IPAI 2026
Co-located with ICFSP, the 3rd International Conference on Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence (IPAI 2026) is a rapidly growing event. It’s ideal for researchers working on the cutting edge of computer vision.
• When: June 10–12, 2026
• Where: Toulouse, France
• Focus: Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and AI Applications.
• Why Attend: Being newer, this conference often offers a more intimate setting for detailed feedback on your work.
Official Website: http://www.ipai.org/
Tips for Your Trip to France
• Visas: France is in the Schengen Area. Ensure you check visa appointment wait times early, as France is a popular destination.
• Transport: The TGV (high-speed train) connects Paris to Lyon in just 2 hours and to Toulouse in about 4 hours.
• Language: While English is the language of the conference, learning a few words of French (Bonjour, Merci) goes a long way in daily interactions.
