The historic port of La Rochelle once again welcomed an impressive 69,000 visitors over six days despite challenging weather conditions. This autumn showcase has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event for yachting enthusiasts and industry professionals, offering a unique perspective on the French and European maritime markets.
What sets La Rochelle apart is its strategic location in the heart of French boat manufacturing territory, a fact noted by our consultant Falk: “Due to the location of this trade fair, with most of the major boat manufacturers coming from France, quite a lot of boats and suppliers are exhibited there.” This geographical advantage has helped create a comprehensive showcase of both local expertise and international innovation.
The show’s growing international appeal was evident in its exhibitor lineup, with 35% new nautical exhibitors and 19% new brands joining the event. The diversity was remarkable, drawing companies from across Europe – including Italy, Spain, Estonia, Austria, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands – and reaching as far as South Africa and Colombia. This international presence signals a strong vote of confidence in both the show and the European maritime market.
Despite rain on Tuesday and Sunday affecting overall attendance, the quality of visitors remained exceptionally high. The show saw increased participation from key French regions including Brittany, Normandy, and Paris, alongside a notable uptick in international visitors. Perhaps most encouragingly, there was a significant presence of first-time buyers, suggesting healthy market growth.
“The atmosphere and interest at this trade fair was very good,” reports Falk, who attended for two days. His observation that “this trade fair is also increasingly being expanded into the B2B area” highlights La Rochelle’s evolution from a purely consumer show to a comprehensive industry event.
The success of La Rochelle, coming shortly after Cannes, demonstrates the robust nature of the European boating market. While each show has its distinct character, La Rochelle’s continued growth and strong industry presence underscore its importance in the maritime calendar, particularly for those interested in French craftsmanship and European maritime innovation.