Le Havre will crown the winner of the 2026 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec

Perros-Guirec, Vigo, Pornichet, Le Havre: the route for the 2026 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec is now known, confirming a grand finish in Normandy as announced a few weeks ago. After three legs sailed between the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Bay of Biscay, the grand finale of the 2026 edition of the most selective of the one-design solo races will take place just a few nautical miles from the mouth of the Seine. A maritime city par excellence, Le Havre will host the event, organized by OC Sport Pen Duick, for the third time in its history, following two previous starts in 2010 and 2018. This grand finish will be a first for the Norman port and the ideal setting to crown the successor to Alexis Loison (Groupe REEL), the 2025 winner.

©Ville du Havre

It is the city where Paul Vatine was born. The city that, every two years, beats to the rhythm of the Route du Café, the only multi-class double-handed transatlantic race. The city that inspired sailors like Guillaume Pirouelle, Cédric Château, and Jules Ducelier to set sail for the Atlantic or the globe. In 2026, Le Havre will be the city of the Grand Finish of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, at the end of the third leg, which starts in Pornichet. This third chapter will undoubtedly be the most demanding and unpredictable, as the route, via BXA at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, the western side of Sein, and the Eddystone lighthouse off the coast of Cornwall, England, will be fraught with challenges. “Stage 3 will be the most technical, with several course marks, offering varied segments and the opportunity for multiple options on each leg of the course,” announces Yann Château, the race director. “ First, the skippers will reach the “BXA” mark at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, before heading towards the Iroise Sea where they will have to round the western shore of Sein. The rest of the course will take them to the Eddystone lighthouse in Cornwall, England, where they will prepare for a final, very open leg towards Le Havre, either by following the English coast or by joining the French coast at the tip of the Cotentin peninsula.”

©Vincent Olivaud

Le Havre, a city facing the open sea

Le Havre will host La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec in its waters and on its land for the third time in its history, following the starts in 2010 and 2018. This eagerly awaited return confirms the dynamism and resolutely maritime character of the city, as well as the strong commitment of the people of Normandy to La Solitaire, particularly after two consecutive Grand Départs from Rouen in previous editions. “This is the third time we have hosted La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec in Le Havre. After the Grandes Voiles du Havre and the Transat Café l'Or last year, it is once again an opportunity to celebrate Le Havre's maritime identity. With our partners, we are committed to making this wonderful sporting event a great public celebration. Good luck and fair winds to all the participants! ” Édouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre

“It is a source of immense pride for La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec to write a new chapter in its history in Le Havre. After the Grand Départs of 2010 and 2018, the Norman city will host a Grand Finish for the first time, and this is a powerful symbol. Le Havre, with its deep maritime culture and connection to the open sea, offers an ideal setting to crown the winner of this 2026 edition. The final leg from Pornichet promises to be the most demanding and unpredictable of the course, worthy of such a finale. I warmly thank the City of Le Havre and all its partners for their commitment to our cause. Together, we will make this Grand Finish an unforgettable celebration for both the sailors and the public.” Julie Coutts, Managing Director of OC Sport Pen Duick

From May 13 to June 7, from Perros-Guirec to Le Havre, via Vigo and Pornichet, La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026 will once again keep its world in suspense and the thirty or so expected sailors – whose names will be revealed soon – will write a new chapter of the race on the most complete of playing fields.