Festival of the Scallop and the Fishing
Honfleur's great maritime festival celebrates the scallop and Norman fishing traditions
About Festival of the Scallop
The Festival of the Scallop and the Fishing: Honfleur Celebrates its Maritime Heritage
Since 1994, Honfleur has paid tribute to its fishermen and the richness of Norman seafood during this major popular festival. Initially called the Shrimp Festival, in reference to Honfleur's famous "little grey" shrimp, the event was renamed the Festival of the Scallop and the Fishing to reflect the evolution of local fishing and highlight the scallop, which has become the star product of the season.
An Event Rooted in Tradition
Honfleur's Old Basin transforms into a huge maritime market where fishermen, scallop divers, and local producers offer scallops, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and other treasures from the sea. Demonstrations of ancestral fishing techniques liven up the quays: capstan hauling, barrel unloading, knot tying.
Visitors can also discover a pirate village, gatherings of old rigs, sea shanty concerts, and numerous activities for the whole family. Honfleur's restaurateurs offer special menus based on scallops and local fishing products.
A Free and Popular Festival
True to its convivial spirit, the Festival of the Scallop and the Fishing is entirely free and open to all. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year to celebrate Honfleur's maritime identity and taste the best of Norman seafood.
Festival of the Scallop — edition 2026
The Scallop and Fishing Festival returns to Honfleur on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th, 2026, on the quays and throughout the city center. Two days of free and popular maritime celebration centered around the Saint-Jacques scallop and Norman fishing products: fish market, tastings, sea shanties, concerts, old rigging, and demonstrations of sea trades.
2026 Edition — October 10th and 11th in Honfleur
The Scallop and Fishing Festival takes over the Vieux Bassin and Honfleur city center on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th, 2026. Throughout the weekend, fishermen will be present: they will sell fresh products from their catch and present their trade to the public. On the program: sea-themed activities, sea shanties, concerts, crafts, competitions, tastings, and a fish market where Saint-Jacques scallops can be found in all their forms.
Free event organized by the City of Honfleur. The detailed program will be published in the fall on the websites of the City and the Honfleur Tourist Office.
Highlights Festival of the Scallop 2026
- Free and popular maritime festival on the quays of Honfleur
- Fish market and Saint-Jacques scallop tastings
- Sea shanties, concerts, and demonstrations of fishing trades
Prices Festival of the Scallop 2026
Practical information — Festival of the Scallop
Practical Information
Location
Vieux Bassin and quays of Honfleur, 14600 Honfleur
Access
- By car: A13 exit Beuzeville then direction Honfleur, or Pont de Normandie from Le Havre. Free parking near the center.
- By bus: Regular lines from Caen, Deauville, and Le Havre (Bus Verts / Nomad Car).
Prices
- Free admission
- Tastings are paid on site
Contact
- Honfleur Tourist Office: 02 31 89 23 30
- Website: www.ot-honfleur.fr
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Where does it take place — Festival of the Scallop
Vieux Bassin de Honfleur
Quai Sainte-Catherine, 14600 Honfleur