Boulogne Fête de la Mer
Four days of maritime celebration in France's leading fishing port
About Fête de la Mer
The Fête de la Mer in Boulogne-sur-Mer is a major maritime event organized every two years in July. For four days, France's leading fishing port celebrates the sea with a gathering of tall ships and traditional boats, sea trips, ship visits, a nautical parade, a maritime know-how village, a sea market, sea shanties, and activities for the whole family. The blessing of the sea perpetuates the tradition of honoring lost sailors.
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Boulogne-sur-Mer, capital of the sea
Boulogne-sur-Mer is France's leading fishing port and Europe's foremost seafood processing center. This age-old maritime identity is celebrated every two years during the Fête de la Mer, a major event that transforms the port and the town into a huge popular festival for four days.
A gathering of tall ships and traditional boats
The highlight of the Fête de la Mer is the gathering of tall ships and traditional boats in the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Vessels from France, England, the Netherlands, and Belgium anchor in the basin, offering a striking maritime spectacle. Visitors can:
- Visit the ships: board the tall ships and heritage boats
- Embark on sea trips: discover the Boulogne coastline from the sea aboard traditional sailboats
- Attend the nautical parade: a procession of boats in the port and along the coast
The maritime know-how village
On the quays, a village of maritime know-how and traditions brings together players from the world of the sea: artisans, maritime heritage associations, model makers, rope makers, caulkers, and demonstrations of traditional techniques. This educational village allows visitors to understand the history and trades of the sea.
The sea market
A sea market offers the best of Boulogne and regional fishing products: fish, shellfish, crustaceans, smoked fish, and maritime specialties. Visitors can enjoy seafood platters, moules-frites (mussels and fries), and other coastal specialties.
Sea shanties and shows
The Fête de la Mer is also a cultural event with sea shanty concerts, maritime folk groups, street performances, and musical entertainment on the quays. The atmosphere is festive, friendly, and family-oriented.
The blessing of the sea
The blessing of the sea is a solemn and moving moment that perpetuates a centuries-old tradition of the Boulonnais region. This ceremony pays tribute to sailors lost at sea and calls for divine protection for those who still go to sea. The families of sailors, fishermen, and residents gather for this moment of remembrance, which recalls the unbreakable link between Boulogne and the ocean.
Fête de la Mer — edition 2026
2026 edition of the Fête de la Mer in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Gathering of tall ships and traditional boats, sea trips, nautical parade, maritime know-how village, sea market, sea shanties, and blessing of the sea.
Prices Fête de la Mer 2026
Practical information — Fête de la Mer
Location
The Fête de la Mer takes place on the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer and in the town center (62200). The quays of the fishing and pleasure port, the basins, the esplanade, and the adjacent streets host the ships, the maritime village stands, the concert stages, and the activities. The port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's leading fishing port and Europe's foremost seafood processing center, offers an authentic and spectacular setting for this event.
Access
- By car: From Calais (30 min), A16 exit 32 Boulogne-Centre then follow signs for the port. From Lille (1h30), A26 then A16 exit 32. From Le Touquet (25 min), D940 towards Boulogne. From Paris (3h), A1 then A26 and A16. Parking near the port: Nausicaá parking (large capacity, free or moderate rate depending on the period), Maritime Station parking, Beach parking. Park-and-ride facilities with shuttle buses are available on busy days.
- By train: Boulogne-Ville station (TER Hauts-de-France, Calais-Boulogne and Rang-du-Fliers-Boulogne lines), then a 15-minute walk to the port down Grande Rue.
- By ferry: Dover-Calais route (1h30 crossing), then 30 min by car via the A16 to Boulogne-sur-Mer. Many British visitors attend the Fête de la Mer.
- By bike: La Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) runs along the coast and passes through Boulogne. Bicycle parking is available near the port.
Dates
The Fête de la Mer takes place every two years, alternating with the Course des Caps, for four days in July (Thursday to Sunday). Next edition planned for 2026.
Prices
Access to the port, the maritime village, and all activities: free. Some specific activities require registration:
- Sea trips: boarding traditional sailboats, mandatory registration (limited places, often filled quickly)
- Ship visits: free, possible queues for the most popular ships
Food and Drink
The sea market offers the best of Boulogne's catch: grilled fish, shellfish, mussels and fries, fish and chips, and maritime specialties. Food stalls and bars are located throughout the festival site.
Blessing of the sea
The blessing of the sea, a traditional ceremony honoring sailors lost at sea, takes place on Sunday morning. This solemn moment brings together the families of sailors, fishermen, and residents in a moment of remembrance facing the sea.
Contact
Ville de Boulogne-sur-Mer — ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr
Office de tourisme du Boulonnais — boulonnaisautop.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fête de la Mer at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Fête de la Mer
Port de Boulogne-sur-Mer
Port de Boulogne-sur-Mer, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer