From April 18 to 21, 2025, the Port of Arcachon will be adorned with sails and legends to celebrate the 10th edition of the Nautical Show, a must-visit event for sea lovers and maritime heritage enthusiasts. At the Goslar quay, a prestigious fleet of exceptional ships will delight amazed eyes and curious feet: La Belle Poule, the Lys Noir, the four Pen Duick of Éric Tabarly… and the majestic Belem, our guest of honor.
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The Belem: a living memory of the oceans
Anchored just a stone’s throw from the fishing port, the Belem proudly unfurls its three masts and elegant silhouette, a witness to a century of journeys and transformations. Built in 1896, this grand French sailing ship, recognized as a historic monument since 1984, is one of the last survivors from the era of the great Cape Horners. From merchant ship to luxury yacht, and even as a training ship, it has lived a thousand lives.
Back in Arcachon after carrying the Olympic Flame to Marseille in 2024, it now hosts the Olympic lantern, like a torch of memory and transmission. Owned by the Belem Foundation, it is open for visits by reservation in the "Ship Visit Package", offering a unique immersion into the 19th-century maritime world.
Marvels and Naval Discoveries
Alongside the Belem, visitors can discover the Lys Noir, a magnificent classic yacht from 1914, returning to Arcachon, its original port, for the first time after more than a century of wandering. Further along, La Belle Poule, a wooden military schooner that fought under the Free French flag, is also open for visits.
for free. Finally, the four Pen Duick, familiar and touching silhouettes of the legendary Éric Tabarly, will be visible at the dock, showcasing the passion and resilience of a whole chapter in French naval history.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The fair is welcoming passionate individuals, families, and curious souls for an anniversary edition where the spirit of adventure and sharing blows through every day from 10 AM to 6 PM (starting from 11 AM for the Belem on the 18th). During these 4 days, the event is set to host 200 exhibitors and 480 boats displayed both afloat and on land across more than 30,000 m2 of exhibition space. Last year, it attracted over 45,000 visitors.
A tip: look up, breathe in the sea air... and let yourself be carried away.