From September 22 to 27, 2026 in La Rochelle, the show confirms its ambition to innovate and meet the evolving expectations of visitors — from boating enthusiasts to newcomers looking for escape, immersive experiences and new sensations at sea.

A Boat Show Designed for Everyone

One of the key strengths of Grand Pavois La Rochelle is its themed areas, designed to make boating accessible to all audiences. Whether you are an experienced sailor, a watersports enthusiast, a future boat owner or simply curious about the maritime world, everyone can discover the sea and all its activities.

As boating lifestyles evolve and public expectations change, Grand Pavois La Rochelle is further strengthening its experiential approach with new spaces designed to let visitors truly experience the sea, not just observe it.

The ambition is clear: to offer an increasingly immersive, innovative and lively boat show capable of attracting loyal visitors while welcoming new audiences.

New for 2026: the “Boat Trip Experience” Area

Among the major new features of Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 is a brand-new area called “Boat Trip Experience”.

Already recognized as an experiential boat show thanks to its sea trials, demonstrations, introductions and nautical activities, Grand Pavois is taking things one step further by giving visitors the opportunity to experience navigation firsthand.

The idea is simple: visitors will no longer come only to see boats on display — they will also be able to go out on the water.

This new area will offer accessible discovery trips for everyone, both under sail and aboard motorboats, allowing visitors who have never dared to try boating to discover the sensations of life at sea.

With family, friends or on their own, visitors will be able to:

• board cruising sailboats,
• discover motorboat handling,
• sail around La Rochelle’s Old Harbour,
• explore the Pertuis area,
• approach the famous Phare du Bout du Monde lighthouse,
• enjoy unique maritime micro-adventures.

Through this “Boat Trip Experience” area, Grand Pavois La Rochelle aims to democratize access to boating, reassure beginners and show that the sea is not reserved for experts or boat owners alone.

More than just a boat show, Grand Pavois becomes a true destination for immersive experiences where emotions, discovery and sharing take center stage.

A New “Tourism” Area Dedicated to Maritime Travel

Another major new feature for 2026 is the creation of a dedicated area focused entirely on maritime tourism and nautical destinations.

Today, boating is no longer only about owning a boat. It has become a way to travel, discover new territories differently and enjoy authentic experiences close to nature.

Modern visitors are increasingly looking for:

• authentic experiences,
• seaside stays,
• accessible nautical activities,
• disconnected holidays,
• soft mobility,
• slow tourism and sustainable travel.

The new “Tourism” area at Grand Pavois La Rochelle fully responds to these new expectations.

It will bring together French and international nautical destinations, coastal regions, islands and marinas, tourism boards, sustainable tourism stakeholders, nautical activity providers and maritime travel professionals.

The show thus becomes a true gateway to experiential maritime tourism, nautical holidays and new ways of enjoying the sea.

Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026: An Ever More Innovative Boat Show

With these new spaces, Grand Pavois La Rochelle once again demonstrates its innovative spirit and its determination to stay aligned with the major evolutions shaping the global boating industry.

More immersive, more accessible and more experiential than ever, the show continues its mission: introducing boating to all audiences while promoting a modern, lively and inspiring vision of the sea.

At Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026, don’t just watch the sea — live it.