Grand Pavois de La Rochelle
Europe's largest on-water boat show
About Grand Pavois
The benchmark European boat show
Created in 1973, the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle has established itself as one of the largest on-water boat shows in Europe. Every year in September, the Port des Minimes hosts over 700 boats and hundreds of exhibitors to present the latest innovations in pleasure boating.
A major boating event
The show brings together all players in pleasure boating: shipyards, equipment manufacturers, accessory suppliers, insurers, and nautical services. It's a unique opportunity to discover and test the latest models of sailboats, motorboats, and catamarans.
For professionals and the general public
The Grand Pavois welcomes both industry professionals during dedicated days and the general public passionate about sailing. The show also offers activities, conferences, and demonstrations on the water.
Grand Pavois — edition 2026
The Grand Pavois de La Rochelle returns from September 22 to 27, 2026, at Port des Minimes, with Japan as the guest country of honor. More than 700 boats afloat and ashore and hundreds of exhibitors are expected for this new edition of one of Europe's largest international boat shows.
2026 Edition — Japan in the spotlight
For its 2026 edition, the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle welcomes Japan as the guest country of honor. A dedicated pavilion of approximately 600 m² will showcase craftsmanship, gastronomy (with a dedicated restaurant), maritime tourism, and electronic innovations related to navigation.
New thematic areas
The 2026 show stands out with the creation of new thematic areas designed for all audiences, from experienced boaters to novices:
- "Get out to sea": an immersive space dedicated to sea trials, first-time experiences, introductions, and demonstrations on the water.
- "Tourism" Area: a hub bringing together maritime destinations, coastal regions, islands, ports, tourist offices, sustainable tourism actors, and activity providers.
As every year, Port des Minimes hosts more than 700 boats and all leisure boating stakeholders: shipyards, equipment manufacturers, accessory suppliers, insurers, and nautical services. The show brings together professionals and the general public around the latest innovations in recreational boating.
Highlights Grand Pavois 2026
- Japan, country of honor (pavilion of approximately 600 m²)
- More than 700 boats exhibited afloat and ashore
- New "Get out to sea" area: trials, first-time experiences, and introductions
- New maritime and coastal "Tourism" area
- Global innovations in recreational boating
Prices Grand Pavois 2026
Practical information — Grand Pavois
Practical Information
Location
Port des Minimes, Avenue du Lazaret, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01.
Dates and Times 2026
From Tuesday, September 22 to Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday, September 27, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Access
- By train: La Rochelle SNCF station, free shuttles to the exhibition. SNCF offers "Petit Prix Événement" TER fares starting from €5.
- By car: free shuttles from Les Salines car park (from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, every 10 minutes).
- By bus: Illico lines 3 and 4 serve Port des Minimes.
- By sea: the Sea Bus connects the Vieux-Port to Port des Minimes.
- By bike: numerous bike racks and Yélo self-service bike stations.
Contact
Grand Pavois Organisation — Phone: 05 46 44 46 39 — Email: [email protected] — Website: grand-pavois.com
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Where does it take place — Grand Pavois
Port des Minimes
Avenue du Lazaret, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, 17000 La Rochelle