Marmande Tattoo Show (2026)

The Marmande Tattoo Show is a two-day tattoo convention held on March 7 and 8, 2026, at Salle Espace Expo in Marmande, France. The event takes place in this town in the Lot-et-Garonne department, located roughly 100 kilometers southeast of Bordeaux and accessible via the A62 motorway. Salle Espace Expo is a dedicated exhibition hall on the outskirts of Marmande with floor space for artist booths, vendor stalls, and seating areas for live tattooing. The venue has parking available on-site, which is useful in a town where public transport options are limited compared to larger French cities. The hall typically hosts agricultural shows and trade fairs throughout the year, so the flooring and ventilation are suited for long days of public events. The convention runs from late morning through evening on both Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can walk the floor to watch artists work on clients in real-time, browse equipment suppliers selling needles, inks, and aftercare products, and view portfolios to book future appointments. Most conventions of this size include tattoo contests judged by guest artists, with categories typically covering best black and grey, best color, and best of show. Some artists offer walk-up appointments for small pieces, though most serious collectors book ahead through the artist's social media or email. Marmande sits in a region better known for agriculture than urban art scenes, specifically famous for its tomato production and the annual tomato festival. However, the town has hosted tattoo events before, and the show draws artists from Bordeaux, Toulouse, and surrounding areas. French tattoo culture has deep roots despite the country's late legalization of the practice in the 1960s, and regional conventions like this one reflect how tattooing has moved from coastal cities into smaller French towns. The southwest of France has a particular affinity for traditional and neo-traditional styles, though the convention floor usually displays everything from realism to Japanese work. Tickets are available through the official World Tattoo Events website. Single-day and weekend passes are standard options, with prices typically ranging from 10 to 20 euros based on previous years. Visitors should bring valid identification, as French law requires tattoo artists to verify client age. Cash is useful for small purchases at vendor booths, though most artists accept cards for deposits. The venue is a 10-minute drive from Marmande town center, where hotels like the Hotel de France and various bed-and-breakfast options provide accommodation within walking distance of restaurants along the Garonne river. The train station in Marmande offers connections to Bordeaux and Agen for those traveling without cars.