The Grand Departure Village of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026 opens its doors in Perros-Guirec!

The port of Perros-Guirec is buzzing with excitement for the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec! The Grand Départ Village for the 57th edition of the race opens its doors to the public this Wednesday. Free and accessible to all until the start of the race, it will be the beating heart of the event, bringing together visitors, skippers, partners, and offshore racing enthusiasts in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

Throughout the week, the public will be able to discover the unique world of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec through numerous activities, meetings and highlights organized within the Village located on the port of Perros-Guirec, an emblematic stopover for sailing in northern Brittany.

The 2026 edition will bring together a particularly large and competitive field with 36 skippers entered in the flagship event of the French Elite Offshore Racing Championship and the 12 skippers of the Paprec Challenge. Among them are many experienced sailors and young talents ready to take on one of the most demanding solo sailing races.

Official inauguration this Wednesday at 5:00 PM

The official launch of the festivities took place at 5:00 PM this Wednesday, in the presence of:

• Erven LEON, Mayor of Perros-Guirec

• Julie COUTTS, General Manager of OC Sport Pen Duick

• Régis FAOUR, Deputy Communications Director / Events Director

• Gaby CADIOU, Regional Councillor for the Brittany Region

  
  

The traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a walk through the village and activities open to the general public.

A week of free activities for everyone

Each day, visitors will be able to enjoy a rich program accessible to all:

● The Journal of La Solitaire on the Main Stage, in the presence of the skippers, followed by autograph sessions,

● Visits to the Figaro BENETEAU 3 sailboats moored in the port,

● Water sports activities and introductory sessions,

● Concerts, musical entertainment and shows,

● Educational workshops and activities for the whole family,

● Meetings with the sailors and partners of the event.

The Grand Départ Village will also be an opportunity to showcase the maritime heritage and Breton identity of Perros-Guirec, an unmissable destination on the Pink Granite Coast.

Heading for the Grand Departure

After several days of activities and meetings with the public, the 36 skippers will set sail for a new edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, a legendary race that reveals the greatest talents of offshore racing.

The Grand Départ will take place from Perros-Guirec at 10:30 am on Sunday, May 17th. The sailors and boats will leave the pontoons from 8 am onwards, in front of a large crowd expected to witness this always spectacular and emotional moment.

They said:

Loïg CHESNAIS-GIRARD, President of the Brittany Region

“The Brittany Region is proud to be a partner of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec and to work alongside the organizers to make this Breton Grand Départ a highlight for both the sailors and the public. The Region is pleased to present its new exhibition “Chez Gwen”, illustrating its daily work in the lives of the people of Brittany.”

Erven LEON, Mayor of Perros-Guirec

“Perros-Guirec is immensely proud to host the Grand Départ of the 2026 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, a legendary race deeply linked to our maritime history. This exceptional event puts the entire Pink Granite Coast in the spotlight, in a symbolic year marked by the 50th anniversary of the Sept-Îles National Nature Reserve, a jewel of biodiversity. This unique setting reminds us how the sea is simultaneously a space for adventure, excellence… and preservation.”

Julie COUTTS, General Manager of OC Sport Pen Duick

“Returning to Perros-Guirec for the Grand Départ of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec has a very special flavor. This town has been part of the race's history for over fifty years, and the sailors are deeply attached to it. There is a maritime culture here, a close connection with the public, and an absolutely unique setting that perfectly matches the DNA of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. Seeing the Figaro Beneteau 3s return to the Pink Granite Coast and set off from the Sept-Îles archipelago, in such a spectacular setting, promises a very emotional 2026 edition, both for the skippers and for all the enthusiasts who will experience the event on land.”