The Grand Pavois La Rochelle is preparing to welcome new visitors to the 2026 show, with a change to its organisation and layout.
The objective of the redesigned show is to ‘offer an ever more immersive, innovative and vibrant boat show, capable of appealing to loyal visitors while attracting new audiences’.
Organisers say the show needs to innovate to meet visitor expectations and to attract all audiences, from nautical enthusiasts to new practitioners seeking escape, immersive experiences and sensations at sea.
Thematic areas are not new to the show, however, this year organisers are strengthening this approach with new approaches to experience the sea and not just observe it.
Go out to sea
A new ‘Go out to sea’ space will be placed at the heart of the show, with the aim of offering visitors a way to experience the water.
Organisers emphasies that everyone can discover the sea and its activities in all their forms, from experienced sailors, watersports enthusiasts or future yachtsmen.
“Already recognised as an experiential boat show thanks to its sea trials, demonstrations, initiations and nautical activities, the Grand Pavois takes a new step by offering visitors the opportunity to directly experience sailing,” explained a show spokesperson.
“The idea is simple: coming to the show will no longer be just an opportunity to see boats on display, but also to go sailing.
“This unique space will allow us to offer discovery outings accessible to all, by sailboat as well as by motorboat, in order to introduce the sensations of navigation to those who have never dared to take the plunge.”
Sustainable tourism
The area is geared towards showing beginners that the sea is not just for experts or boat owners.
Another new space will be a ‘Tourism’ area, dedicated to maritime travel and nautical destinations.
Show organisers recognise that boating is no longer just about buying or owning a boat. Instead, it’s a gateway to travel, to discover new places and experience life close to nature.
The new Tourism area will show visitors authentic experiences, seaside holidays, accessible water sports activities, slow and more sustainable tourism.
Organisers say the area will encompass French and international nautical destinations, coastal regions, islands and marinas, tourist offices, sustainable tourism stakeholders and professionals in nautical activities and maritime travel.
“The show thus becomes a true gateway to experiential maritime tourism, nautical holidays and new ways of experiencing the sea,” said the show spokesperson.
In addition, the 2026 show will recognise the country of Japan as a guest of honour, with a dedicated hall to show aspects of the country’s culture, encourage exchanges between both marine industry professionals and visitors.
The Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2026 will take place from September 22 to 27 at the Port des Minimes, France.
