Hotel near the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle 2026
Every year, the Grand Pavois sets out to create an in-water boat show where visitors can meet boat builders, discover boats on the water, and book sea trials.
Japan is the guest country of honour for this 2026 edition, with a dedicated pavilion of around 600 m² showcasing craftsmanship, gastronomy and nautical innovation. Another highlight: Éric Tabarly's four Pen Duick yachts will be moored at pontoon 7 throughout the show.
2026 dates and opening hours
Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September, 10am to 7pm. Sunday 27 September, 10am to 6pm. The floating exhibition covers pontoons 1 to 7 at Port des Minimes.
Entry prices
- Adult, 1 day: €15 until 21 September, €18 from 22 September
- Duo ticket (2 people): €25 until 21 September, €30 from 22 September
- Reduced rate (groups, students, ages 16-18, jobseekers): €10
- Free for under-15s accompanied by an adult
Getting there without the parking stress
Parking at Port des Minimes is notoriously difficult during the Grand Pavois. From the Hôtel Le Rivage, skip the car altogether: Châtelaillon-Plage station, a 3-minute walk from the hotel, puts you just minutes from La Rochelle station. From there, two options: bus line Illico 4 (or Illico 3 with a change at La Sole) drops you off directly at Les Minimes, or walk to the Old Port and hop on the sea bus (the Yélo "passeur"), which links the Old Port to Les Minimes all day — a boat crossing worth taking for its own sake, and a far more pleasant way to arrive at the show than hunting for a parking space.
If you're still coming by car, visitor parking is at the paid Les Salines car park, with free shuttles to the show every 10 minutes.
