|
|
Key Events |
| Take the planisphere of the Volvo
Ocean Race, the prestigious round-the-world sailing competition. On
the entire map, you will see only ten cities marked out, the ten legs
of the race, one of which is La Rochelle. |
n
Proof, if such were necessary, that La Rochelle is recognised as
a world-class venue for yachting and ocean racing. Its port and
inshore waters regularly host major events - the BT Global Challenge
(another crewed round-the-world race), the famous single-handed
Figaro, the Tour de France à la Voile, the Melges 24
and other World Championships, not to mention its own "International
Sailing Week".
All of these and more broadcast the conurbation's renown afar. Top
skippers are attracted by the inshore navigation and the comprehensive
range of skills and know-how offered by its yachting industry.
For the same reasons, increasing numbers of superyachts come to La
Rochelle's port to winter...
- Grand
Pavois:
 |
The Grand Pavois is the biggest in-the-water
boat show in Europe and third world-wide. This is a
much appreciated rendezvous between a large public and companies
in the yachting industry, especially since the models are
actually shown afloat (in the water) and sea trials are
even possible. What better place to talk about boats than
by the water? Each year, the Grand Pavois attracts 100,000
visitors and 700 exhibitors - French and foreign boatyards,
but also equipment manufacturers, sailmakers, repair firms,
hardware vendors, marine insurers, publishers of yachting
magazines, to list just some of the range. This is a professional
show, but it also inspires dreams and ocean-going adventures.
There is something for every sort of enthusiast at the Grand
Pavois: exciting events, the "wooden village", the countries
invited as special guests - among them the islands of the
Caribbean or Indian Ocean, Australia, Brazil, or New Caledonia.
Due to the Show's success, the organising team has been
called on to apply its expertise in handling other yachting
events. They were the ones who organised the 6.50 Transatlantic
(formerly known as the Mini-Transat) or again the Volvo
Ocean Race stopover in La Rochelle. |
- Francofolies:
 |
This festival is the creation of Jean-Louis Foulquier, French
radio's "Mr. Song" (France Inter), a lover of La Rochelle
and one of its native sons. He dreamed of making the city's
charms the backdrop for a francophone song festival,
a meeting ground where the public and confirmed or budding
performers could commune together. His dream has not only
come true, but it is one of France's most well-known cultural
encounters today. The spirit is festive, the aim, discovery
of new texts, authors and all the types of music that accompany
them. |
- The International
Film Festival:
 |
Every year, from late June to early
July, a film event truly intended for the audience,
not for stars or juries. For the simple reason that there
are none here! No glitter, just films, loads of films! Hundreds
of feature-length films from around the world converge on
La Rochelle, many of them never seen or distributed before.
An opportunity to view rare works or rediscover well known
ones from the perspective of the director's complete filmography,
shown on the occasion of tributes or retrospectives. This
festival has complete faith in the public's intelligence
and curiosity … and has found it works! More than 70,000
tickets are sold annually. It draws huge crowds, who keep
coming back for more and become real cinephiles. |
|
 |
|
|
