Festival de la Côte d'Opale
The oldest music festival on the northern coast, celebrating 50 years of concerts in Boulogne-sur-Mer
About 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.
Festival de la Côte d'Opale — edition 2026
The Festival de la Côte d'Opale celebrates its 50th anniversary from July 9 to 12, 2026 at the Éperon site (Quai Thurot) in Boulogne-sur-Mer. For this historic edition, an exceptional program brings together Vanessa Paradis, Soprano, Jean-Louis Aubert, Josman, Stephan Eicher and many others, facing the sea.
Festival de la Côte d'Opale 2026 — 50th Anniversary
For its half-century, the Festival de la Côte d'Opale presents four evenings of concerts from July 9 to 12, 2026 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, at the outdoor site of Éperon (Quai Thurot). True to its spirit, the event honors French song and contemporary music, for all generations.
The anniversary edition features leading headliners : Vanessa Paradis, Soprano and Jean-Louis Aubert, surrounded by established artists and emerging talents.
Programme Festival de la Côte d'Opale 2026
2026 Program
- Thursday, July 9 : Josman, La Mano 1.9, Sheng
- Friday, July 10 : Vanessa Paradis, Stephan Eicher, Billie
- Saturday, July 11 : Soprano, Jeannette & MAJ, Anaïs Cotte
- Sunday, July 12 : Jean-Louis Aubert, Sam Sauvage, Adahy
A final date with urban accents is to be announced soon.
Highlights Festival de la Côte d'Opale 2026
- 50th anniversary of the festival
- Soprano headlining
- Vanessa Paradis in concert
- Jean-Louis Aubert, a figure of French rock
Prices Festival de la Côte d'Opale 2026
Practical information — Festival de la Côte d'Opale
Access to the Festival
By Car
Boulogne-sur-Mer is accessible via the A16 motorway from Calais (30 min) or Paris (2h45). Parking available in the city center and on the outskirts of the festival site.
By Train
The Boulogne-Ville station is served by TER trains from Lille, Calais, and coastal towns. Lille-Boulogne journey takes about 1h30.
Food and Drink
- Food stalls on the festival site
- Numerous restaurants and brasseries nearby in the center of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Ticketing
Tickets available on the official festival website and at usual points of sale. Evening passes and festival passes offered. Prices vary depending on the programmed artists.
Accommodation
Boulogne-sur-Mer offers a wide choice of accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, campsites, and vacation rentals on the coast. Advance booking recommended during the summer season.
Contact
Official website: www.festivalcotedopale.fr
Facebook: Festival de la Côte d'Opale
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Where does it take place — Festival de la Côte d'Opale
Site de l'Éperon (Quai Thurot)
Quai Thurot, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer