Escale à Port-Vendres

An exceptional maritime festival on the Côte Vermeille

Escale à Port-Vendres was born in 2024 from the desire to celebrate the rich maritime heritage of Port-Vendres, the only deep-water natural harbor on the Roussillon coast. This biennial festival transforms the port's quays into a festive and cultural space where tall ships, heritage boats, and traditional Latin sails meet.

Exceptional ships

The festival hosts a remarkable fleet of heritage ships from all over the Mediterranean and beyond. The 2026 edition will feature the Belem, one of the most prestigious French three-masted ships still sailing, as well as other iconic vessels such as the Phoenix, the Vera Cruz, and the Santa Eulalia. About forty local Latin sails will complete this exceptional fleet.

A rich and varied program

For four days, the festival offers a abundant program:

• Concerts and street performances on the renovated quays
• Exhibitions dedicated to maritime history and naval heritage
• Sea market with local producers and artisans
• Maritime film screenings
• Educational workshops on maritime trades and know-how
• Sea trips aboard heritage ships
• Round tables and conferences on naval heritage

A strong associative commitment

The festival is driven by the association Souris à la Vie and relies on over 150 passionate volunteers. The first edition in 2024 attracted over 20,000 visitors, confirming the public's enthusiasm for this event that highlights Port-Vendres' centuries-old maritime vocation.