IAFSS 2026
IAFSS Symposium Host Venue
The symposium will be held at Espace ENCAN in La Rochelle. Quai Louis Prunier - 17033, La Rochelle. June 8 - 12, 2026.
La Rochelle is a city in the southwest of France, located on the Atlantic Ocean between the Loire estuary (Nantes) and the Gironde estuary (Bordeaux). With the presence of three ports (fishing, boating, and trade), it is nicknamed "La Porte oceane". The city of La Rochelle has a population of 80,000 inhabitants,named "the Rochelais".
La Rochelle ranks 5th among France's most-visited cities due to its rich history, landscapes, architecture, climate and hospitality, benefiting from 2,400 hours of sunshine per year. From La Rochelle, it is possible to visit the spectacular Re and Oleron islands by boat or public transport. The old and beautiful cities of Bordeaux and Nantes are also easily accessible from LaRochelle. The famous French vineyards of Cognac and Bordeaux are a short distance away.
Host venue
Espace Encan
The Encan site is located close to the historic center, near the old harbourg, called now the "bassin des grands yachts". It was built on the old fish market, place of memory of Rochelaise fishing. The Encan center, now called "La Rochelle Congrès" has adopted an environmentally friendly and responsible approach, supported by the ADEME, for its various events.
June 8 –12, 2026
La Rochelle, FR
La Rochelle
The climate
With its exceptional sunshine (2,400 hours per year, or as much as the French Riviera) and its proximity to the Islands of Ré, Oléron, Aix and Madame, La Rochelle is a special holiday resort. La Rochelle enjoys an oceanic climate. With plenty of rain in autumn and in winter, the winters are mild, and it is the sunniest spot on the Atlantic littoral.
In summer, temperatures are tempered by the sea breeze. It is caused by the rise in the ground temperature during the day while the sea temperature remains constant, and can be felt as wind which sometimes blows fairly strongly from the sea inland in the afternoon. Ideal for sailing, the breeze also keeps maximum temperatures agreeable.
