Overview of French boat shows
In France, there are several major boat shows that attract thousands of visitors each year.
Today, Orca Retail lists the biggest boat shows in France, with their dates and locations to ensure you don't miss these must-see nautical events!
Les Nauticales of La Ciotat - March
The Les Nauticales boat show takes place in March in La Ciotat (from March 20 to 25 for its 2024 edition), in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
The Les Nauticales show takes place both on land and at sea. More than 500 boats, from semi-rigid to luxury yachts, are displayed afloat in the Old Port of La Ciotat. On land, the approximately 100,000 visitors can discover the stands of more than 200 exhibitors, professionals in the nautical industry, and equipment suppliers.
In addition to the boats on display, the Les Nauticales show offers numerous activities for the whole family. Demonstrations of water sports, workshops for children, conferences, and film screenings are on the program.
Tickets for the event start at €7 in pre-sale for the 2024 edition, with 3-day tickets at €16 and a full pass at €29.90 (free for children under 12).
More information on the official website
Les Nautiques of Port-Camargue - April
Created in 1994, Les Nautiques of Port-Camargue is the largest new and used boat show in the Mediterranean, and is organized during the Easter weekend (from March 29 to April 1 for its 2024 edition).
Organized by the nautical professionals of Grau du Roi Port Camargue, this event highlights the prominence of Port Camargue as the leading marina in Europe.
At the heart of the port, a space dedicated to "THE ART OF LIVING IN A MARINA" offers a wide range of services and equipment to meet the needs of boaters.
The event attracts around 45,000 visitors, including hundreds of individuals who sell their boats directly, and more than 250 exhibitors offering a wide selection of new and used boats, as well as nautical equipment, products, and services.
On a total area of 25,000 m², the show presents more than 450 boats displayed on land and afloat, with sailboats, motorboats, inflatables, kayaks, and much more. More than 1,200 meters of pontoons allow visitors to explore the vessels freely.
Besides its varied offerings, the event stands out for its friendly and festive atmosphere, attracting a diverse audience, from sailing enthusiasts to families seeking an escape. Entries, shuttles, and parking are free, thus facilitating access to this unique event.
More information on the official website
International Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte - April
The International Multihull Show is a unique exhibition dedicated to multihulls, these boats that are both high-performing and comfortable. It takes place every year in La Grande-Motte, in the south of France, also in April (from the 3rd to the 7th for the 2024 edition).
More than 700 boats are exhibited there afloat and ashore, offering a wide choice of catamarans and trimarans, new and used. You can discover the latest innovations in construction and design and meet industry professionals.
Entry tickets start at 10 € for one day, then go up to 30 € for 5 days and 50 € for the "privilege" access for 2 people over the 5 days of the show.
More information on the official website
Arcachon Boat Show - April
This show, held annually in April on the Atlantic coast (April 19-20-21 for the 2024 edition), is a must-attend event for enthusiasts of pleasure boats and water sports.
With more than 500 boats exhibited afloat and ashore, the show offers a wide choice of sailboats, motorboats, rigid inflatables, and kayaks. A dedicated water sports area offers demonstrations and initiations, while family-friendly activities, workshops, and conferences complete the experience.
The exceptional location of the show on the Arcachon Basin makes it a unique place to discover the nautical world.
More information on the official website
Semi-Rigid Boat Show in Mandelieu - La Napoule Boat Show - April
The La Napoule Boat Show in Mandelieu is a nautical exhibition that highlights semi-rigid boats and takes place every year in April (from the 25th to the 28th for its 2024 edition) at the port of Mandelieu-La Napoule, near Cannes.
More than 250 boats, of which 60% are second-hand, are exhibited over an area of 15,000 m². This collection includes a variety of types of boats such as day cruisers, sport fishing boats, semi-rigid boats, as well as trawlers and sailboats.
You will be able to discover the latest innovations from 90 exhibitors representing 100 brands. You will also have the opportunity to meet industry professionals and attend conferences and workshops.
This event is a must for the many boaters looking to realize their new or used boat purchase projects for the upcoming season.
More information on the official website
International Boat Show of La Rochelle - September
Also known as "Grand Pavois", the International Boat Show of La Rochelle is a major general nautical exhibition that also features a selection of semi-rigid boats.
This show is held every year in September at the Port des Minimes of La Rochelle, on the Atlantic coast, and will take place from October 1st to 6th for its 2024 edition, which will introduce the innovative concept of the Grand Pavois Beach.
This major evolution highlights sliding and light sailing activities, while expanding its offerings to new practices such as open water swimming, fat biking, and coastal walking. Enhanced activities, demonstrations, initiations, and conferences are planned, as well as DJ Sets to enjoy the festive atmosphere on the Minimes beach.
The event also emphasizes eco-responsibility and ocean preservation, while promoting access to nautical activities for everyone, including people with disabilities, through the Handi Cap’Access space.
More information on the official website
Cannes Boat Show - Cannes Yachting Festival - September
The Cannes Yachting Festival is a prestigious boat show held every year in September (from the 10th to the 15th for the 2024 edition) at the port of Cannes. It claims to be the 1st floating boat show in Europe and No.1 in the world for large sailing boats.
The show features a wide variety of luxury yachts, sailboats, and high-end motorboats. It is also an opportunity to discover the latest trends in navigation equipment and accessories.
More information on the official website
Cap d'Agde Boat Show - October
The Cap d'Agde Boat Show is a general boat show that also features a selection of semi-rigid boats. This show is held every year at the end of October in the port of Cap d'Agde, in the south of France.
More than 200 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors contribute each year to the success of the Show. For 5 days, find motorboats and sailboats, nautical sports and associations, new technologies, equipment, and services, all for free!
More information on the official website
Nautic en Seine (Paris International Boat Show) - October
The Paris International Boat Show is the largest boat show in France. It is held every year in December at the Porte de Versailles in Paris.
In 2024, this show is being revamped and renamed "Nautic en Seine", and its opening is also changing, taking place from October 15th to 20th for the year 2024, between land and water, on the Île de Monsieur and at Port Legrand in Boulogne-Billancourt.
This major event brings together 230 exhibitors and presents 210 boats, 25 of which are available for testing. With 8500m² of exhibition space, this show features a wide variety of boats, ranging from sailboats to luxury yachts, including semi-rigid boats and motorboats. The show also presents navigation equipment and accessories, as well as activities related to water sports.
More information on the official website
Lake Geneva Boat Show - Swiss Boat Show - November
The Lake Geneva Boat Show is a boat show that takes place every year in November (from the 8th to the 10th for its 2024 edition) at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, just a few kilometers from the French border.
The show features a wide variety of boats, ranging from sailboats to motorboats and semi-rigid boats. It is also an opportunity to discover the latest trends in navigation equipment and accessories.
More information on the official site
If you are passionate about boats or looking to discover the nautical world, these shows are must-attend events not to be missed.
Whether you are looking for a new boat, navigation equipment, or simply to discover the latest trends in the nautical industry, these shows are perfect for discovering everything the nautical world has to offer!
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