Fête de la Mer
Homage to sailors and celebration of the ocean in Capbreton
About Fête de la Mer
Every year in June, the Fête de la Mer in Capbreton pays a vibrant tribute to sailors lost at sea and celebrates ocean professions at the town's fishing and pleasure port. For two days, the port transforms into a festive village with "casetas del mar" (food and drink stalls), painting and photography exhibitions, boat trips, diving taster sessions, traditional sea shanty concerts, coastal rescue demonstrations, and numerous maritime activities. An event rooted in the tradition and maritime identity of Capbreton.
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Fête de la Mer: Capbreton Celebrates its Maritime Heritage
The Fête de la Mer in Capbreton is more than just a festive event: it is a vibrant tribute to the sailors and fishermen who have shaped the identity of this Landes port town. Every year in June, the port of Capbreton adorns itself in its finest colours to host two days of celebrations blending maritime tradition, culture, and conviviality.
A Deeply Rooted Tradition
Capbreton is one of the few fishing ports on the Landes coast, and the Fête de la Mer perpetuates the memory of generations of sailors who braved the Atlantic Ocean. The highlight of the event is the ceremony honouring sailors lost at sea, followed by a procession of fishing and pleasure boats in the port and along the jetty. This moving procession brings together sailors' families, elected officials, and residents in a moment of remembrance and solidarity.
The Casetas del Mar
Inspired by traditional festivals of the Southwest, the "casetas del mar" (bars and food stalls) are set up on the port quays, offering seafood specialities and local Landes products. The atmosphere is festive, friendly, and family-oriented.
A Rich and Varied Program
The Fête de la Mer offers a program of activities for all ages:
- Exhibitions: Painting, photography, and maritime archives retracing the history of the port of Capbreton
- Boat trips: Discovering the Capbreton trench and the coastline from the sea
- Diving taster sessions: Introduction to scuba diving supervised by qualified instructors
- Sea shanty concerts: Choirs and bands performing traditional maritime repertoire
- Coastal rescue demonstrations: Exercises by the SNSM (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer) and sea rescuers
- Introduction to nautical knots: Practical workshops to discover the art of ropework
- Discovery of marine species: Educational stands on ocean fauna and flora
- First aid training: PSC1 (First Aid Certificate Level 1) training offered by rescue associations
- Musical entertainment: Bands, music groups, and a festive atmosphere on the quays
A Unifying Event
Organized by the City of Capbreton in partnership with MACS Port et Lac, local associations, and port merchants, the Fête de la Mer is a special time for Capbreton residents, visitors, and maritime professionals to connect. It helps to promote the town's maritime heritage and keep ocean culture alive for new generations.
Fête de la Mer — edition 2026
The 2026 Fête de la Mer will be held on June 13th and 14th at the port of Capbreton. Two days of maritime activities, tribute to sailors, and festivities on the quays of the fishing and pleasure port.
2026 Edition — June
The Fête de la Mer returns to the port of Capbreton on June 13th and 14th, 2026. The detailed program will be announced in the spring, but festival-goers can expect the event's must-haves: the ceremony honouring sailors, "casetas del mar", exhibitions, boat trips, diving taster sessions, concerts, and activities for the whole family.
Prices Fête de la Mer 2026
Practical information — Fête de la Mer
Practical Information
Location
The Fête de la Mer takes place at the Port of Capbreton, Avenue Georges Pompidou, 40130 Capbreton. Activities are spread across the quays, pontoons, and areas of the fishing and pleasure port, offering an authentic setting facing the jetty and the ocean.
Dates and Times
The Fête de la Mer is held every year in June, usually on the third weekend of the month, Saturday and Sunday. Activities begin in the morning and continue until the evening. The ceremony honouring sailors traditionally takes place on Sunday morning.
Prices
Access to the Fête de la Mer is free. Certain specific activities (boat trips, diving taster sessions) may require prior registration and a modest financial contribution. As places are limited for these activities, it is recommended to register as soon as reservations open.
Access
- By car: Capbreton is accessible via the A63 motorway (Capbreton/Labenne exit). The port is located in the town centre, near Notre-Dame beach. Public parking nearby (port parking, train station parking). Note that parking can be difficult on weekends.
- By train: Bayonne TGV station is 25 km away, then bus or taxi.
- By bus: MACS Transport network, stop Port de Capbreton.
- By bike: Cycle paths from neighbouring towns. Bicycle parking available at the port.
Food and Drink
The "casetas del mar" offer seafood and drinks throughout the event: grilled fish, "chipirons" (small squid), seafood tapas, and Landes specialities. The port of Capbreton also has many fish and seafood restaurants nearby.
Practical Tips
- Bring sunscreen and a hat if the weather is good
- Register in advance for boat trips and diving taster sessions
- Activities are planned for children throughout the weekend
- Arrive early on Sunday to attend the tribute ceremony
Contact
For any information: Ville de Capbreton — Tel. 05 58 72 10 09 — Website: capbreton.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Fête de la Mer
Port de Capbreton
Avenue Georges Pompidou, 40130 Capbreton