Festival of the Sea and Coastlines
Day to discover maritime riches in Rivedoux-Plage
About Festival of the Sea
The Sea and Coastlines Festival is a festive and free day that takes place every summer on the Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach in Rivedoux-Plage, the first village on Île de Ré when arriving via the bridge. This nationally recognized event celebrates the island's maritime, oyster farming, and nautical heritage, in a family-friendly and convivial atmosphere open to all audiences.
On the program: demonstrations by the SNSM (National Sea Rescue Society), kitesurfing initiations, participation by the APNR (Association for the Protection of Nature in Ré), oyster tasting, catering provided by the Amicale des Anciens Cols Bleus de l'île de Ré, pétanque and palets competitions, games and activities on the beach for children.
A Maritime Festival at the Heart of Île de Ré
The Sea and Coastlines Festival celebrates the rich maritime heritage of Rivedoux-Plage, a former small fishing port that has become the primary oyster farming area on Île de Ré. This free day allows visitors and islanders to discover local maritime traditions and the riches of the coastline in a friendly and family atmosphere, on the Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach, facing the Pertuis Breton.
A Nationally Recognized Event
The Sea and Coastlines Festival is a national event supported by the Ministry of the Sea, mobilizing French coastal territories around the discovery, protection, and promotion of maritime and coastal heritage. Rivedoux-Plage is one of the labeled communes and offers its local edition every summer, organized by the municipality with the support of the Destination Île de Ré Tourist Office and numerous associative partners.
Sea Rescue Demonstrations and Water Sports
Throughout the day, the SNSM (National Sea Rescue Society) offers rescue demonstrations that highlight the work of volunteers ensuring the safety of boaters and swimmers. Kitesurfing demonstrations and initiations, a flagship sport in Rivedoux-Plage thanks to its exceptional wind conditions, are also on the program. The APNR (Association for the Protection of Nature in Ré) holds an awareness stand about the fragility of the Rétais coastline's ecosystems.
Market, Tastings, and Local Catering
The port and esplanade come alive with an oyster tasting area featuring Rivedoux oysters and seafood products, and a catering service provided by the Amicale des Anciens Cols Bleus de l'île de Ré, bringing together former sailors who keep local maritime memory alive.
Family Activities
Pétanque competitions, palets games, beach games, and children's activities punctuate the day, which aims to be accessible to all generations.
Festival of the Sea — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Fête de la Mer et des Littoraux will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm, on the Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach in Rivedoux-Plage (Île de Ré). A free day dedicated to maritime heritage, water sports, and sea rescue, with SNSM demonstrations, kitesurfing initiations, oyster tasting, and family entertainment.
2026 Edition — Sunday, July 5
The Fête de la Mer et des Littoraux returns on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm, on the Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach in Rivedoux-Plage. This edition is part of the 8th national edition of the Fête de la Mer et des Littoraux supported by the Ministère de la Mer, which labels hundreds of events across mainland France, Corsica, and overseas territories between June and September 2026.
2026 Themes
The 2026 edition focuses on discovering the coastal and oyster farming heritage of Île de Ré, fighting marine pollution, promoting sea-related professions, and highlighting surveillance and rescue services. In Rivedoux-Plage, the event takes the form of a day of free seaside activities, accessible to all generations.
A Non-Stop Day on the Esplanade and North Beach
From 10 am to 5 pm, the Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach will host demonstrations, activities, and stands from partner associations. The event is free and open to all, without reservation.
Programme Festival of the Sea 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026 — 10 am to 5 pm
Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach, Rivedoux-Plage
Throughout the day
- SNSM demonstrations — sea rescue by volunteers from the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer
- Kitesurfing demonstrations and initiations — on North Beach, taking advantage of Rivedoux's exceptional wind conditions
- APNR stand — Association pour la Protection de la Nature à Ré, raising awareness about the fragility of the Ré coastline
- Oyster tasting from Rivedoux and local oyster products
- Catering — refreshment stand and dishes prepared by the Amicale des Anciens Cols Bleus de l'île de Ré
- Petanque and palets competitions — open to all, on the esplanade
- Beach games and children's entertainment — on North Beach
Provisional program according to the Office de Tourisme Destination Île de Ré and Rivedoux-Plage town hall. Subject to further details from the organizers closer to the date.
Highlights Festival of the Sea 2026
- Spectacular SNSM demonstrations (sea rescue)
- Free kitesurfing initiations on North Beach
- Tasting of Rivedoux oyster farm oysters
- Catering by the Amicale des Anciens Cols Bleus de l'île de Ré
- Petanque and palets competitions open to all
- Children's entertainment and beach games
- Event labeled Fête de la Mer et des Littoraux (Ministère de la Mer)
Prices Festival of the Sea 2026
Practical information — Festival of the Sea
Practical Information
Location
Esplanade de la Mer and North Beach, 17940 Rivedoux-Plage (Île de Ré). First village when arriving on the island via the bridge from La Rochelle.
Access
- By car: from La Rochelle, Île de Ré bridge, Rivedoux-Plage exit (first village). Parking lots near the esplanade and the port.
- By bus: Les Mouettes network (La Rochelle ↔ Île de Ré), stop less than 500 m from the esplanade.
- By bike: cycle paths to Rivedoux from La Rochelle and from inside the island.
Prices
- Free access for the entire day
- Free demonstrations and initiations
- Paid catering and tastings on site (oysters, local products, Amicale des Anciens Cols Bleus refreshment stand)
Contacts
- Rivedoux-Plage Town Hall: 05 46 09 39 39 — 40 avenue Gustave Perreau, 17940 Rivedoux-Plage — [email protected]
- Destination Île de Ré Tourist Office: 05 46 09 80 62 — iledere.com
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Where does it take place — Festival of the Sea
Esplanade de la Mer — Plage Nord
Esplanade de la Mer, Plage Nord, 17940 Rivedoux-Plage