Le Grand Pavois: the unmissable boat show in La Rochelle

An essential event in the nautical trade show calendar, the Grand Pavois is an autumn event not to be missed! Check the program and prepare your visit now.

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The Grand Pavois: an essential event for the nautical sector

Created in 1973, the Grand Pavois of La Rochelle is in the top 5 international floating boat shows. It is organized every year in October at the port of La Rochelle and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. 

For 6 days, professionals and sailing and boating enthusiasts meet on the pontoons of the port des Minimes to discuss the latest technologies and innovations in the sector. In total, more than 300 boats are exhibited around the Musée Maritime de la Rochelle for an event bringing together nearly 100,000 visitors!

Visiting the La Rochelle boat show

The Grand Pavois occupies 100,000 m2 of exhibition space divided into several thematic areas: 

• pleasure boating;
• fishing;
• water sports (light sails, kayaks, board sports, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, stand up paddle…);
• traditional boats (some of which are classified as Historic Monuments);
• tourism;
• sustainable navigation, etc.

Unique in its kind, the «Fishing & Grand Pavois» area allows enthusiasts, competitors and brands to meet around a demonstration pool and compete in the famous fishing tournament of the event!

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Grand Pavois de La Rochelle: practical information

The entrance to the Grand Pavois is paying. You can buy your tickets on site or via the online ticketing (preferential rate for an internet purchase). Reduced rates are offered for duo tickets, students, young people from 13 to 18 years old, job seekers and groups of 10 people or more. Admission is free for children 12 and under. 

The boat show takes place at the marina, in the heart of the city. The places are easily accessible by car, train or even plane. Indeed, regular coach connections link Les Minimes to La Rochelle-île de Ré airport and La Rochelle SNCF train station. 

If you arrive by road, you can park your vehicle in the Salines paid parking lot and take the shuttles provided free of charge for visitors to the Grand Pavois. A bicycle and two-wheel parking lot is also provided near the entrance to the site. 

Animations at the Grand Pavois

Many animations are organized throughout the duration of the event, for example: 

• demonstrations by the SNSM (National Sea Rescue Society);
• Pineau des Charentes tastings in the restaurants of the show;
• round tables on themes related to innovation and ecology;
• Grand Pavois fishing competition;
• conferences and debates; 
• wind foil competition;
• meetings and animations around the Guest of Honor Country (South Africa in 2023);
• animations and workshops for children, etc.

Voiles de Nuit, the pyro-digital show created for the event, offers spectators a unique show between land and sea highlighting the towers and ramparts of the city. For the occasion, several dozen boats hoist their sails for a magical ballet combining history and modernity! 

Visiting La Rochelle in autumn

October is ideal for visiting La Rochelle and its region and enjoying the Indian summer in Charente-Maritime. Stroll through the streets and discover the city's unique architectural heritage, take a trip to the La Rochelle market to taste local products and enjoy the friendly and lively atmosphere of this small seaside town. If the weather permits, treat yourself to a moment of idleness at La Concurrence or Chef de Baie, the pretty beaches of La Rochelle. To recharge your batteries with nature, cross the bridge and enjoy all the attractions of Île de Ré out of season: bike rides, sailboat cruise, shore fishing…

In case of rain, head to the museums of La Rochelle to discover the fascinating history of the White City! Ships, bunker, automata, Indies, New World: there is something for all tastes and for all ages. Underwater life enthusiasts will find their happiness at the La Rochelle aquarium, one of the largest in Europe.

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Finally, rugby enthusiasts may have the chance to attend a match of the Stade Rochelais (winner of the Champions Cup in 2022 and 2023) at the Marcel Deflandre stadium.

Your hotel in La Rochelle

Are you looking for a hotel in Poitou-Charentes to stay during your visit to the Grand Pavois? At B&B HOTELS, we offer several ideally located establishments, near the marina, shopping streets and the best bars and restaurants in La Rochelle.

Put down your suitcases in a comfortable room and enjoy all the exclusive B&B HOTELS services: 

• a large cozy bed with premium mattress and pillows;
• a private bathroom with towels;
• baby bed (subject to availability);
• 24-hour reception;
• secure paid parking;
• bicycle rental;
• charging station for your electric vehicle;
• on-site catering and meal delivery;
• all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at a low price, etc.

Rooms adapted for people with reduced mobility are available in all our establishments: remember to request them when booking. 

Book your hotel in La Rochelle now in just a few clicks!