The Solitaire du Figaro

It’s a first in the history of the race and the city of Rouen! From August 17 to 23, 2024, Rouen will host the starting village of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. This historic event will transform the city’s quayside into a hub of festivities and entertainment, celebrating Rouen’s river and maritime heritage.

The Solitaire du Figaro

The 55th edition

The Seine once again takes center stage in August! For its 55th edition, the prestigious La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec sailing race has chosen Rouen as the starting town, a historic first. From August 17 to 23, the city’s quayside will host the Grand Départ village, promising a week of festivities and events around Rouen’s river and maritime heritage. Following on from the success ofArmada 2023, this emblematic event confirms Rouen’s reputation and reaffirms its nautical tradition. Between 30 and 50 yachts will be moored along the Seine between the Flaubert and William the Conqueror bridges. On the day of departure, the boats will sail down the Seine as far as Le Havre, before the official start offshore.

Arthur Hubert, Mon Atout Energie, during the 3rd stage of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2023 from Morlaix Bay to Piriac sur Mer - At sea on 09/13/2023

History of the race

One of the most prestigious in France

The Solitaire du Figaro began life in 1970 as the “Course de l’Aurore”. Renamed in 1980 after its takeover by Le Figaro, it has become one of France’s most prestigioussailing races. Its founders, Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault, designed a single-handed race open to professionals and amateurs alike. Over the years, the race has evolved from a variety of boats to specially designed one-designs. Since 2019, skippers have been sailing the Figaro Beneteau 3, the world’s first production one-design with foils. The course, which always departs from France, totals between 1,500 and 2,000 nautical miles, with occasional international stopovers as this year.

The sailboat route

Grand stages for this edition

The 2024 edition will cover a course of 1,840nauticalmilesin three stages:

Rouen to Gijón in Spain: 615 miles After the descent of the Seine, the start will be given in the Bay of Seine on August 25. Skippers will have to negotiate the exit from the English Channel before crossing the Bay of Biscay.

Gijón to Royan in Charente-Maritime: 605 miles This leg will involve a west-to-east crossing of the Bay of Biscay, with a coastal course at the start and then a more open section.

Royan to La Turballe in Loire-Atlantique: 620 miles The final leg will pass off the coast of Brittany, rounding Ouessant and returning to the tip of Brittany before arriving at La Turballe. The varied course will alternate between coastal and offshore sailing, promising intense competition with plenty of twists and turns.

Start Village Program

Activities for young and old

Arrival day, Saturday August 17 :

2pm: fanfare to welcome the boats with music
2:30 pm: boats arrive in Rouen (Pont Flaubert lift between 12:30 and 4:30 pm)
4pm: village inauguration
5pm-6pm: presentation of the skippers

During the week :

Boat tours (Figaro 3), every day from Sunday, between 11am and 12pm (registration at the race stand)
Baptism of sailing, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m.
Signing session, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m.
Shows and entertainment: – Nageuses sur bitume, Sunday at 2 p.m. – Le Batô, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. – Les Marineros, Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. – Commando Guimauve, Thursday at 5 p.m.
Mini regatta, Sunday and Monday at 3pm

Departure day, Friday, August 23:

9:15 am to 10 am: Boats depart for Le Havre. Raising of the Flaubert Bridge between 6:30 and 11 a.m.

Entertainment on the quayside, in front of the village, open from 10am to 7pm (11:30am on Saturday).

Corentin Horeau, Banque Populaire, during the 3rd stage of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2023 from Morlaix Bay to Piriac sur Mer - At sea on 09/13/2023

La Croisière du Figaro

Wednesday, August 21 at 3:00 p.m.

Alongside the starting village, on Wednesday August 21, enjoy a1h30 stroll along the Seine to admire the yachts taking part in the Solitaire du Figaro. You can also take a guided tour of the Port of Rouen, at the heart of the city’s port activity, for a moment of pleasure and escape.

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