Festival Chants de Marins

Sea shanties at the heart of the La Rochelle Maritime Festivals

The "Sea Shanty Festival" refers to the musical component of the La Rochelle Maritime Festivals, a large gathering of maritime heritage organized around the Old Port and the Bassin des Chalutiers. Over four days, the event brings together approximately 150 boats (tall ships, classic yachts, traditional boats) and enlivens the quays with concerts, choirs, and traditional songs.

A living musical tradition

Sea shanties, once used to set the rhythm for work on board, are today a living art carried by French and foreign groups. During the Maritime Festivals, these groups perform on the quays, at the foot of the heritage boats, creating a unique atmosphere that immerses the public in La Rochelle's maritime history.

A stage open to all

The musical program is freely accessible. Concerts blend traditional sea shanties, world music, and local or national artists, some presented in partnership with the Francofolies de La Rochelle. The stage operates during the day and early evening, with concerts extending late into the night during the four days of festivities.

An event integrated into maritime heritage

The sea shanties component is part of a broader program: guided tours of tall ships (Belem, Shtandart, Le Français, Morgenster, Santa Maria Manuela in 2026), demonstrations of seamanship, caulking, sail treatment, discovery of sea trades, tastings of local products and seafood, and a grand final banquet.

An associative organization

The event is organized by the Association Les Fêtes Maritimes de La Rochelle, based at the Capitainerie des Minimes. The first edition took place in June 2024, with nearly 100,000 visitors welcomed on the quays.