Festival de la Côte d'Opale

Festival de la Côte d'Opale: Half a Century of Music by the Sea

The Festival de la Côte d'Opale is one of the oldest music festivals in France. Founded in 1976 by the Office Culturel Régional (OCR) du Nord-Pas-de-Calais, created by the regional council chaired by Pierre Mauroy, it has established itself as an unmissable summer event on the northern coast.

A Rich History of 50 Years

Francis Senet, director of the MJC d'Hénin-Beaumont, programmed the first few years. Patrick Dréhan became its director and programmer from 1976 to 2016, shaping the festival's identity for four decades. Starting in Boulogne-sur-Mer, the festival expanded throughout the Côte d'Opale, from Dunkirk to Berck, before refocusing on Boulogne and its surroundings.

An Eclectic Program

The richness of the Festival de la Côte d'Opale lies in the diversity of its programming: French variety, chanson, rock, jazz, blues, world music, and occasionally dance, street performances, and readings. Over the decades, it has hosted major artists from the French and international scene, contributing to the summer cultural animation of the Boulonnais region.

An Exceptional Maritime Setting

The concerts take place outdoors in Boulogne-sur-Mer, facing the sea, offering a unique setting for spectators. The friendly and festive atmosphere, the quality of the programmed artists, and the beauty of the Côte d'Opale coastline make each edition a special summer moment for Boulogne.

50 Years in 2026

In 2026, the Festival de la Côte d'Opale celebrates its 50th anniversary, half a century of music and sharing that makes it one of the most emblematic cultural events in Pas-de-Calais.