FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WELCOME TO THE GRAND PAVOIS LA ROCHELLE!
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2021 EDITION AND THE HEALTH PROTOCOL IN PLACE?
YOU WILL FIND OUR ANSWERS HERE.

Sanitary measures

Do I need to bring a health pass?

The “health pass” is required in France since July 21, 2021 to access leisure and cultural events gathering more than 50 people. Anyone over 18 years old must present one of the three health proofs provided by the pass to access events (Decree No. 2021-955 of July 19, 2021) either a certificate of vaccination with full vaccination record or a negative RT-PCR or antigenic test less than 48 hours old or a certificate of recovery of the Covid-19 of at least 11 days and less than 6 months old.
+ More info here: https://www.gouvernement.fr/en/coronavirus-covid-19

What are sanitary provisions/security measures set up by the show?

You will find all the sanitary measures in force at the Grand Pavois here. These will be updated as the health crisis evolves and following the Government’s announcements.

Can I go in and out of the show freely if I have a valid health pass?

If you have presented a valid health pass at the entrance, you can circulate without controls for one day. You can also leave and come back. All you have to do is to tell the security officer that you wish to return and he will put a stamp on your wrist. However, you will have to present your health pass again to re-enter the boat show.

Where can I be tested ?

You can find all the testing locations near you via Doctolib app (in French only).

In the Charente Maritime area, here is the list of facilities (pharmacies and testing centers) providing PCR and antigenic tests:
https://www.sante.fr/cf/centres-depistage-covid/departement-17.html

Cerballiance laboratories will propose rapid antigenic tests – upon presentation of your French or EU health card – at the south entrance of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle. Open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm everyday. 

Where can I be tested on weekends?

You can find all the testing places near you via Doctolib app (in French only).

In the Charente Maritime area, here is the list of facilities (pharmacies and testing centers) offering PCR and ANTIGENIC tests on weekends:
SANTE.FR

Cerballiance laboratories will propose rapid antigenic tests – on presentation of your French or EU health insurance card – at the south entrance of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle. Open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm everyday. 

Is wearing a mask outdoors mandatory?

Wearing a mask outdoors is not mandatory, although it is recommended. It is mandatory in the indoor areas: Hall, entrances, stands’ office, boats etc.

Should I take my own mask?

We invite you to come with your own masks.
Hydroalcoholic gel will be available at the entrances and in the boat show area.

What health and safety measures will be implemented at the event?

We are waiting for the directives of the competent authorities in order to define the sanitary protocol that will be put in place from September 28 to October 3, 2021.
We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter to receive all the information concerning the sanitary protocol that will be implemented. I subscribe by clicking here.

What precautions should I take on site?

You will find all the sanitary measures in force at the Grand Pavois here. These will be updated as the health crisis evolves and following the Government’s announcements.

Is it possible to pay for purchases at the show in cash?

Yes, you can pay for your purchases in cash up to €1,000 according to the regulation in force since 1 September 2015.

 

If the show is cancelled because of COVID-19, will my admission ticket be refunded?

Contact us, we will put you in touch with the accounting service which will proceed with the refund. It will be made by bank transfer after the show closes.  Please send your bank details along with your request so that we can complete the checks required to make the refund.

frequent Questions

What are the shows' dates and times?

The Grand Pavois La Rochelle will be held from 28 September to 3 October 2021, every day from 10 am to 7 pm. There are no days reserved for professionals and no evening openings. 

When is Les Minimes car park closed (assembly) and until when (dismantling)?

Les Minimes car park will no longer be accessible from 8 September for zones near the Capitainerie and the Forum des Pertuis. Then from 10 September for the rest of the car park until 15 October.
The beach will be partly inaccessible from 20 September to 15 October.

La plage sera en partie inaccessible du 20 septembre au 15 octobre.

I'm a sailor, how do I access my boat during the show?

All of the pontoons, except 1 to 7 which host the in-water exhibition, are freely accessible during the show.

Concerning parking, the car parks on the Digue du Bout Blanc and the Digue de Lazaret, reserved for sailors, are always accessible to users with a pass provided by the port of La Rochelle. 

Can I benefit from reductions on transport during the Grand Pavois La Rochelle (plane, train tickets)?

The Communauté d’Agglomération – via its Yelo app (available from 5 September) – offers a “Grand Pavois pass” at a preferential rate of €5 which ensures you unlimited use of the bus and sea bus network throughout the duration of the show.
We do not have any agreements for other transport reductions (train, plane, etc.) 

Are there shuttle buses between the centre of La Rochelle or the station and the show?

Are there shuttle buses between the centre of La Rochelle or the station and the show?

Free shuttle buses are provided between the visitor car parks and the boat show. There are no shuttle buses between the town centre or the station and the Grand Pavois La Rochelle. To find out more, go to the section “Getting there”:

Are the shuttle buses free? What are the times of the shuttle buses (start/finish)?

The shuttle buses between the visitor car parks and the Grand Pavois La Rochelle are free of charge. Visitor shuttle buses run between 9.30 am (first departure) and 8.00 pm (last departure). 

Are the shuttle buses accessible solely on presentation of an admission ticket?

The shuttle buses are accessible to any person parking in the visitor car park.

Is there a sea bus route? Where does it depart and arrive? What is the price?

The sea bus connects the town centre and the Grand Pavois La Rochelle. 

Departures from the town centre at the foot of the Tour de la Chaîne. First departure at 8.30 am to Les Minimes. Last departure at 8.15 pm from the port of Les Minimes to the town centre. 

The price is €3 incl. VAT/person per crossing. A group and family price (minimum of 4 people) is available at €2 per person and per crossing. 

Is there a shuttle bus from the airport? What is the price?

There are no shuttle buses running between the Airport <-> Grand Pavois La Rochelle.

Where are the nearest car parks? Are they free?

Access to the visitor car parks is free of charge. Note that vehicles cannot park there under any circumstances outside of the opening hours. 

If I come by bicycle or motorcycle, where can I park?

A motorcycle parking area is available outside the boat show.


Is there a car park for persons with reduced mobility near the boat show?

About ten parking spaces are reserved for persons with reduced mobility at the entrance to the boat show.

Will the Voiles de Nuit be held?

The Voiles de Nuit show will not be held this year. 

TICKET SERVICE

Is the show free?

Admission to the Grand Pavois La Rochelle is paying. All the admission prices are indicated here: here

How can I purchase my ticket?

To purchase your adult, duo or family, and FFV licence holder tickets, visit the online ticket service here: Ticket 

Tickets at reduced prices or those requiring a document of proof must be purchased on site.

What are the admission prices?

All the admission prices are indicated here: here

From what age do children have to pay?

Admission is paying for children from 13 years. 

Is there a special price if I attend the show every day?

There is a “6-day pass” that provides access to the boat show for six days Buy your ticket here

Is it possible to buy your ticket on site and what payment methods can be used?

It is possible to buy your ticket on site. The payment methods accepted are cash or credit card only. This year, we are no longer providing payment terminals owing to the Covid-19 health crisis.

What is the deadline for ordering your ticket online?

There is no deadline for ordering your ticket online. Buy your ticket here

How to obtain an invitation

Invitations are reserved for exhibitors for their customers, contest winners and our partners. We cannot under any circumstances issue them on request. Invitations cannot be sold.

I am unable to order my ticket online (error message), what should I do?

Please contact us so that we can determine together whether this is to do with a problem with your browser or the payment system.

I haven't printed my ticket, can I print it on site? What should I do if I haven't printed my ticket?

Just show your smartphone with your e-ticket at the entrance to the boat show so that the ticket inspectors can scan the QR code. 

I bought my ticket online but I haven't received it. What should I do?

Contact us, we will put you in touch with the accounting service and the e-ticket will be sent to you directly by email contact

To collect it on site, just go to the show’s reception. We will be able to find your e-ticket with your name or your email address.

 

Pour l’obtenir sur place, il suffit de vous présenter à l’accueil du salon. Avec votre nom ou votre adresse e-mail, nous pourrons retrouver votre e-billet.

I can't find the email with my e-ticket. What should I do?

Contact us, we will put you in touch with the accounting service and the e-ticket will be sent to you directly by email 

To collect it on site, just go to the show’s reception. We will be able to find your e-ticket with your name or your email address.

Is there an entrance reserved for people who have already bought their ticket?

Yes a fast track line is reserved for e-ticket holders at the boat show’s entrances. 

 

Is the ticket for a specific person?

The ticket is for a specific person and is valid for one day (except the “week pass”). Even if the ticket is for a specific person. You can transfer your ticket to a third person if you are unable to use it yourself. However, you are not authorised to sell your ticket.   

I can no longer attend the show, can I transfer my ticket to a third person?

Even if the ticket is for a specific person, it can be transferred to a third person free of charge. Reduced price tickets bought at the entrance to the show can only be transferred if the visitor’s profile is identical. See the prices in force here

I can no longer attend the show, what are the conditions for obtaining a refund?

In accordance with the General Terms and Conditions of Sales, e-tickets cannot be returned, exchanged or refunded.

Access to the show

Can I enter and leave the show at any time?

Although the ticket is valid for one person and for one day (except “6-day pass”), it is possible to enter and leave at any time. Remember to inform the ticket inspector that you intend to return later and you will be issued with a pass.

 

Does the ticket provide access to all of the show (all the activities, etc.)?

The ticket provides access to all the exhibition areas. Some activities (speedboat outing for example) may be paying and some conferences may be private. This will be indicated on the programme. The large majority of activities are free of charge and are accessible by all. 

 

Can I visit the show with my children?

You can visit the boat show with your children. They remain entirely under your responsibility. We also advise against taking prams and buggies onto the pontoons for security reasons, especially during busy times.

Is the show accessible for the mobility-impaired?

The show is accessible for the mobility-impaired.

Are pets authorised?

Pets are authorised at the show only if they are kept on a leash. However, we advise against taking them onto the pontoons for security reasons, especially during busy times. 

 

Are bicycles or scooters authorised at the show?

For obvious safety reasons, bicycles and scooters (electric or not) are prohibited inside the area of the boat show.

Documentation

Is it possible to consult the show's catalogue on site?

The plan of the boat show is available on the website (here) or on the interactive catalogue (lien). Plans are available at the boat show: floor markings, boards. 

Where is it possible to find the list of exhibitors? How can I find the location of an exhibitor's stand?

To find an exhibitor, you can consult the interactive catalogue here (lien) or you can visit the “Exhibitors” section on the website

I'm looking for a specific product, how can I find it?

By consulting the list of exhibitors in the catalogue listed by activity, or by looking at the list of exhibitors on the website here and conducting a keyword search.

Where is it possible to find the programme of activities?

You will find them here. This section is updated daily.

Where is it possible to find the plan of the show?

You will find it here or on site on the information boards, as well as in the official catalogue. 

Programme

What is the programme each day and where can I find it?

You will find it here. This section is updated daily.

Do I have to register to participate in certain activities?

When this is necessary, it will be indicated in the programme of activities. It may also be the case in the event of large numbers of people.

 

Are the activities and conferences free of charge?

The large majority of activities are free of charge and accessible by all.

Some activities (speedboat outing for example) may be paying and some conferences may be private. Note that visits to the exhibited boats is not an activity and only the exhibitor is able to accept or refuse a visit to his/her exhibited boat(s) (on land or in-water).

Are there guided tours? (And for foreign visitors, with a translator?)

There are no guided tours with or without a translator.

Is it possible to visit the in-water boats? If so, should I make an appointment and how do I do this?

Only the exhibitor is able to accept or refuse a visit to his/her exhibited boat(s) (on land or in-water). If you are planning a purchase, it is advised to make an appointment with your boatyard or dealer before arriving at the show. Appointments can be made directly with exhibitors before the show or by visiting their stands. 

How can I benefit from a sea trial?

Some boats exhibited in-water are available for sea trials during the period of the show (test pontoon on pontoon 1), others only when the pontoons open at the end of the day.

Note that not all the boats exhibited in-water are available for testing and only the exhibitor is able to accept or refuse a sea trial for the vessel. If you are planning to buy a boat and you want to try it, you are advised to contact your boatyard or dealer before the show to find out if the boat you are interested in is available to test.

Attention, tous les bateaux exposés à flot ne sont pas disponibles à l’essai et seul l’exposant est habilité à accepter ou non de faire essayer son bateau en mer. Si vous avez un projet d’acquisition de bateau et que vous souhaitez l’essayer, il est recommandé de prendre contact avec votre chantier ou concessionnaire en amont du salon afin de savoir si le bateau de votre choix est disponible à l’essai.

Is there a mass during the show? At what time and where?

Following tradition, a mass will be held on Sunday 3 October at 11 am at La Plage area of the Grand Pavois. Note, you must have your admission ticket in order to take part. 

What is the guest country of honour?

Greece will be our guest country of honour this year. Visit here to find out more

Who is the patron? When will he be present?

Le parrain est Yannick Bestaven, le vainqueur du Vendée Globe. Il sera présent le vendredi 1er octobre 2021.

Practical information

Is it possible to eat on site?

Several dining solutions are available at the boat show. You will find the list, the specialities, and the contact details for the restaurants here

Are there hotels or other types of accommodation near the show?

You will find the hotels and rental solutions available near the boat show by visiting the “Accommodation” section

Is there a discount code for hotels?

Unless in the frame of a partnership which will be indicated here in the “accommodation” section, there is no discount code for hotels during the Grand Pavois La Rochelle.

Does the show offer secure Wi-Fi access?

A free Wi-Fi service is provided at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle in partnership with Orange. 

Does the show offer cloakrooms/lockers?

There are no cloakrooms/lockers at the Grand Pavois La Rochelle owing to the anti-terrorist plan in force. Your personal belongings are entirely under your responsibility.

Is there a cash machine at the show?

You will find a cash machine outside the boat show (La Plage exit) to the left of the bakery store “Les Blés d’Or”. 

 

Is there a lost and found service at the show?

If you have lost something, please go to the Commissariat Général (plan) or call +33 (0)5 46 44 46 39.

Are there areas provided for picnics?

There are no areas provided for this purpose. However, you can take a picnic with you. It is authorised. 

Is smoking authorised (outdoors) at the show?

Yes, smoking is authorised. Note that it is strictly forbidden to discard cigarette butts on the ground (beach, basin, port, etc.), please use a pocket ashtray. Also, out of courtesy, please do not inconvenience other people and keep away from busy paths.

Is there a Grand Pavois La Rochelle store?

There is no Grand Pavois La Rochelle store.