Overview of French boat shows
In France, there are several major boat shows that attract thousands of visitors every year.
Today, Orca Retail takes up the list of the biggest boat shows in France, with their dates and locations so you don't miss a thing at these unmissable boating events!
Les Nauticales de La Ciotat - March
The Les Nauticales boat show is held in March in La Ciotat (from 20 to 25 March for its 2024 edition), in the Bouches-du-Rhône region.
The Nauticales show takes place on both land and sea. More than 500 boats, from RIBs to luxury yachts, are on display afloat in La Ciotat's Old Port. On land, some 100,000 visitors can discover the stands of more than 200 exhibitors, yachting professionals and equipment manufacturers.
As well as the boats on display, the Les Nauticales boat show features a host of entertainments for all the family. The programme includes water sports demonstrations, children's workshops, conferences and film screenings.
Tickets for the event start at €7 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 de Port-Camargue - April
Created in 1994, Les Nautiques de Port-Camargue is the largest new and second-hand boat show in the Mediterranean, and is organised during the Easter weekend (from 29 March to 1 April for its 2024 edition).
Organised by nautical professionals from Grau du Roi Port Camargue, this event highlights Port Camargue's influence as Europe's leading yachting port.
At the heart of the port, an area dedicated to "THE ART OF LIVING IN MARINA" offers a varied range of services and facilities to meet the needs of yachtsmen.
The event attracts around 45,000 visitors, including around a hundred private individuals selling 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.
Over a total area of 25,000 m², the show features more than 450 boats on display both on land and afloat, with sailboats, powerboats, inflatables, kayaks and much more. More than 1,200 metres of pontoons allow visitors to explore the boats in complete freedom.
Aside from its varied offering, the event stands out for its friendly, festive atmosphere, attracting a diverse audience, from sailing enthusiasts to families in search of an escape. Entrance, shuttle buses and parking are free, making it easy to get to this unique event.
More information on the official website
Salon International du Multicoque à La Grande-Motte (International Multihull Show) - April
The International Multihull Show is a unique show dedicated to multihulls, those boats that are both high-performance and comfortable. It is held every year in La Grande-Motte, in the south of France, also in April (from 3 to 7 for the 2024 edition).
More than 700 boats are on display afloat and ashore, offering a wide choice of catamarans and trimarans, both new and pre-owned. Here you can discover the latest innovations in construction and design, and meet industry professionals.
Entrance tickets start at €10 for one day, rising to €30 for 5 days and €50 for "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 every year in April on the Atlantic coast (on 19-20-21 for the 2024 edition), is a must-attend event for pleasure boat and water sports enthusiasts.
With over 500 boats on display afloat and ashore, the show offers a wide choice of sailboats, powerboats, RIBs and kayaks. An area dedicated to water sports offers demonstrations and introductions, while activities for all the family, workshops and conferences complete the experience.
The show's exceptional location on the Bay of Arcachon makes it a unique place to discover the nautical world.
More information on the official website
Salon du Semi-Rigide de Mandelieu - La Napoule Boat Show - April
La Napoule Boat Show in Mandelieu is a boat show that focuses on semi-rigid boats, and is held every year in April (from 25 to 28 for its 2024 edition) in the port of Mandelieu-La Napoule, near Cannes.
More than 250 boats, of which 60% are pre-owned, are exhibited there over an area of 15,000 m². This collection includes a variety of boat types such as day cruisers, sport fishing boats, RIBs, as well as trawlers and sailboats.
You can 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 yachtsmen looking to make their plans to buy new or used boats for the coming season a reality.
More information on the official website
La Rochelle International Boat Show - September
Also known as the "Grand Pavois", the Salon Nautique International de La Rochelle is a large general boat show that also features a selection of RIB boats.
This show is held every September at Port des Minimes in La Rochelle, on the Atlantic coast, and will run from 1 to 6 October for its 2024 edition, which will introduce the innovative concept of the Grand Pavois Beach.
This major development highlights boardsports and light sailing activities, while expanding its offering to new activities such as open water swimming, fat biking and coastal longeering. Enhanced animations, demonstrations, initiations and conferences are planned, as well as DJ Sets to enjoy the festive atmosphere on the Minimes beach.
The event also focuses on eco-responsibility and the preservation of the oceans, while promoting access to water sports for all, including people with disabilities, through the Handi Cap'Access area.
More information on the official website
Cannes Boat Show - Cannes Yachting Festival - September
The Cannes Yacht Show is a prestigious boat show held every year in September (from 10 to 15 for the 2024 edition) in the port of Cannes. It claims to be the 1rst afloat boat show in Europe and No. 1 in the world for tall ships.
The show features a wide variety of luxury yachts, sailing boats and high-end powerboats. It's also an opportunity to discover the latest trends in sailing 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 RIB 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 to the Show's success every year. For 5 days, find motor and sailing boats, water sports and associations, new technologies, equipment and services, all free of charge!
More information on the official website
Nautic en Seine (Paris International Boat Show) - October
The Paris International Boat ShowParis is the largest boat show in France. It is held every year in December at Porte de Versailles in Paris.
In 2024, this show is getting a makeover, and is being renamed "Nautic en Seine", and its opening is changing too, taking place from 15 to 20 October for this 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 features 210 boats, 25 of which are available for trial. With 8500m² of exhibition space, this show features a wide variety of boats, from sailboats and luxury yachts to RIBs and powerboats. The show also features sailing equipment and accessories, as well as water sports activities.
More information on the official website
Salon Nautique du Léman - Swiss Boat Show - November
The Salon Nautique du Léman is a boat show held every year in November (from 8 to 10 for its 2024 edition) at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, a few kilometres from the French border.
The show features a wide variety of boats, from sailboats to powerboats to RIBs. It's also an opportunity to discover the latest trends in sailing equipment and accessories.
More information on the official website
If you're passionate about boats or looking to discover the nautical world, these shows are must-see events not to be missed.
Whether you're looking for a new boat, boating equipment, or simply to discover the latest trends in the boating industry, these shows are perfect for discovering everything the boating world has to offer!
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