Visitors, sailing enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike will be able to get close to the boats, meet the skippers and experience the rhythm of preparations before the big start, on Sunday 7 June at 13:02.
An immersion into the world of the Far North
Between polar lights, sea ice imagery and stories of extreme expeditions, the village transports visitors far beyond the Vendée coastline. Photo exhibitions, immersive spaces, scientific talks and ocean-themed discoveries will provide a better understanding of this territory, both fascinating and fragile.
Visitors will notably be able to :
- Discover the exhibition by photographer Florian Ledoux, specialist of polar regions
- Attend guided tours
- Meet several scientific institutions involved throughout the event
IFREMER,'the French Polar Institute, Plastic Odyssey and Under The Pole will be present throughout the week to raise awareness among young and old alike about ocean issues and climate disruption.
Visiting the honorary pontoon
One of the great strengths of the village remains the close proximity to the skippers and their boats. Throughout the event, visitors will be able to:
- Get close to the IMOCA yachts moored on the famous Vendée Globe pontoon
- Watch the final preparations and adjustments before the start
- Observe the teams during provisioning operations
- Take part in autograph sessions and public appearances on stage
Day-by-day programme
Every day — Village entertainment & activities
- Awareness activities about Arctic issues
- Youth area (games, mascots)
- Concerts & DJ sets at the Polar Bar
- Meetings with skippers
- Boat visits
- Vendée immersive space
- 11:30, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00 : roaming appearances by Adélie the mascot and the giant Polar Bear
Saturday 30 May — Official opening
- 10:00 : inauguration and opening to the public
- 12:00 : presentation of the 9 skippers on stage
- 12:00–15:30 : giant bear parade, stilt walkers and giant bubbles
- 15:00 : creative workshops and children’s face painting
- 18:45 : skipper autograph session · DJ Pfel & DJ Greem (ex-C2C) concert at the Polar Bar
- 22:30 : drone show on the Grande Plage
Sunday 31 May — Solidarity Day
- 10:30 : musical fitness session
- 11:00 & 17:00 : guided tour of the Florian Ledoux exhibition
- 13:00 & 17:00: team presentations on the main stage
- 14:00: face painting and creative workshop · All afternoon: charity sale in support of the SNSM
- Evening entertainment at the Polar Bar
Monday 1 June — Reggae night
- 11:00 & 17:00 : guided tour of the Florian Ledoux exhibition
- Evening : DJ Fatbabs concert, legendary DJ of Naâman, at the Polar Bar
Tuesday 2 June — Women offshore
- 20:00: open-air cinema screening of Becoming, Violette Dorange’s documentary, facing the boats
- Discussions with female sailors and the Alice Milliat Foundation
Wednesday 3 June — Youth & literature
- 11:00 & 15:00 : reading of the storybook Logbook of a Vendée Globe by Charlotte Méry, followed by a signing session
- Evening entertainment at the Polar Bar
Thursday 4 June — Speed runs
- 08:30 : IMOCA departure from the pontoon
- 11:15 : speed runs in the bay, skippers racing in front of the beach
- 17:00 : return of the IMOCA fleet through the channel
- 18:30 : prize-giving ceremony on stage
- Evening : DJ Pone concert, DMC world champion and former member of Birdy Nam Nam
Friday 5 June — Environment Day
- 14:00 : beach clean-up operation
- Meeting with Plastic Odyssey, screening and conference
- Evening : DJ LÏCHE concert at the Polar Bar
Saturday 6 June — Before the start
- Activities at the Alice Milliat Foundation stand (inclusive, safe and equal sport)
- 14:00 : face painting and creative workshop
- Evening : DJ Beat de Plage concert at the Polar Bar
Sunday 7 June — Grand start at 13:02
- 10:30 : departure from the pontoons and passage through the channel
- 13:02 : race start broadcast live on the village giant screen
- Groovy Brunch at the Polar Bar hosted by DJ Avecunk (Kinetik Groove)
