Festival of the Eel
Edition 2026 Street Performance Gastronomy Local Produce

Festival of the Eel

Biennial gastronomic festival of the eel in the Somme marshes

Éclusier-Vaux — Somme (80) Since 1986
Dates 11 Jul — 12 Jul 2026
Location Éclusier-Vaux (80)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Festival of the Eel

The Festival of the Eel is a biennial gastronomic festival held every two years in July, on even-numbered years, in the small village of Éclusier-Vaux, in the heart of the marshes of the Somme Valley. Since 1986, this hamlet of 140 inhabitants has welcomed over 7,000 visitors to taste eel in all its forms — smoked, grilled, in matelote, in terrine — and to celebrate this emblematic fish of the Picardy wetlands. Driven by the Éclusier-Vaux festival committee, this popular festival also offers street performances, an artisan market, water activities, and entertainment for the whole family.

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The Festival of the Eel: a gastronomic treasure in the heart of the Somme marshes

Every two years, the tiny village of Éclusier-Vaux, nestled in the heart of the marshes of the Somme Valley, between Péronne and Amiens, transforms into the capital of the eel. The Festival of the Eel, created in 1986, celebrates this mysterious and flavorful fish that has populated the rivers, ponds, and marshes of the Somme for millennia.

Eel: a gastronomic and natural heritage

The eel is inseparable from the identity of the Picardy wetlands. The Somme Valley, with its ponds, peat bogs, and marshes, is one of the last major natural habitats for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in France. This fish, with its extraordinary life cycle — it is born in the Sargasso Sea, crosses the Atlantic, and travels up European rivers to grow before returning to reproduce in the ocean — has been fished and consumed in the Somme since the Middle Ages.

In Éclusier-Vaux, eel fishing is an ancestral tradition. The village itself derives its name from the locks that once regulated water levels in the marshes, facilitating the capture of this elusive fish. The Festival of the Eel was born from the desire to preserve and promote this culinary and natural heritage threatened by the scarcity of the species.

A feast of eel in all its forms

The heart of the festival is, of course, the tasting. Eel is prepared and served in all its forms: artisanal smoking, wood-fired grilling, cooked in matelote (traditional wine stew), in terrine, in soup, or in rillettes. Free tastings allow newcomers to discover this little-known product, while connoisseurs can enjoy the preparations of local restaurateurs and producers.

The gastronomy is not limited to eel: a market of producers and artisans offers specialties from the Picardy region — cheeses, honeys, cured meats, craft beers, jams — in a gourmet and friendly fair atmosphere.

A village in celebration

The Festival of the Eel is much more than just a gastronomic event. The village of Éclusier-Vaux, with only 140 inhabitants, puts in a remarkable effort to welcome over 7,000 visitors for a weekend. Street performances liven up the alleys, an artisan market showcases the know-how of local creators, and artistic exhibitions take over barns and farmyards.

Water activities are another highlight of the festival: boat trips on the marshes, canoe-kayak excursions, and guided tours of the ponds of Haute-Somme allow visitors to immerse themselves in the aquatic landscape that gave birth to this culinary tradition. Archery, traditional games, and children's entertainment complete the program.

An identity event for the territory

The Festival of the Eel embodies the vitality of a rural and wetland territory too often overlooked. The marshes of Haute-Somme, designated a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance), are a natural heritage of exceptional richness. By attracting thousands of visitors to this discreet area, the festival helps to raise awareness and promote a fragile ecosystem and unique culinary know-how.

Festival of the Eel — edition 2026

20th anniversary edition of the Festival of the Eel in Éclusier-Vaux. Biennial gastronomic festival in the heart of the Somme marshes. Eel tastings, producers' market, shows, water activities. 40 years of tradition.

20th Edition - 40 Years of the Festival of the Eel

In 2026, the Festival of the Eel celebrates a double exceptional anniversary: its 20th edition and its 40 years of existence. Since 1986, this biennial event has continued to grow and shine, making the tiny village of Éclusier-Vaux a gourmet convergence point for lovers of gastronomy and natural heritage.

For this anniversary edition on July 11 and 12, 2026, eel will once again be celebrated in all its forms: artisanally smoked, wood-fired grilled, cooked in traditional matelote, and in terrine. The market of producers and artisans, street performances, boat trips, canoe-kayak, and children's entertainment will liven up this festive weekend in the heart of the Haute-Somme marshes.

Programme Festival of the Eel 2026

Indicative Program 2026

  • Eel tastings: smoked, grilled, matelote, terrine, rillettes
  • Market of Picardy producers and artisans
  • Street performances and entertainment
  • Boat trips on the marshes
  • Canoe-kayak on the ponds of Haute-Somme
  • Archery
  • Art exhibitions
  • Entertainment and games for children

Highlights Festival of the Eel 2026

  • 20th edition and 40th anniversary of the festival
  • Tastings of eel in all its forms
  • Market of producers and artisans
  • Street performances
  • Water activities in the marshes
  • Over 7,000 visitors expected
  • Free entry

Prices Festival of the Eel 2026

Free admission. Free tastings and paid catering on site.

Practical information — Festival of the Eel

Practical Information

Access

By car: Éclusier-Vaux is located in the Haute-Somme valley, between Péronne (15 km) and Albert (20 km), about 40 km east of Amiens. From the A1 or A29, take Péronne then follow the D1 towards Albert.

Location

Village of Éclusier-Vaux (80340), in the heart of the Haute-Somme marshes.

Dates

A weekend in July, on even-numbered years (next edition in 2026). The festival historically takes place in mid-July.

Price

Free admission. Free tastings offered. Paid catering on site.

Activities

  • Eel tastings (smoked, grilled, matelote, terrine)
  • Producers' and artisans' market
  • Street performances
  • Boat trips on the marshes
  • Canoe-kayak
  • Archery
  • Exhibitions and children's entertainment

Tips

  • The festival is biennial: check the year of the next edition.
  • Arrive early for parking in this small village.
  • Bring cash for tastings and the market.
  • Take the opportunity to discover the ponds of Haute-Somme by boat.

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Where does it take place — Festival of the Eel

Village d'Éclusier-Vaux

Centre du village, 80340 Éclusier-Vaux

Festival of the Eel in brief

Street Performance Gastronomy Local Produce Farmers' Market Nature Nautical Folk Traditions Folklore Young Audience Family Outdoor Free Somme

History of Festival of the Eel