Festival of the Sea and Sailors of Saint-Valery-en-Caux

Saint-Valery-en-Caux, a fishing port between sky and sea

Saint-Valery-en-Caux is a fishing and pleasure port nestled in a natural breach between the high cliffs of the Alabaster Coast. Since the Middle Ages, the sailors of this coastal town have braved the waters of the English Channel for herring, cod, and shellfish fishing. The history of Saint-Valery is inseparable from that of its sailors, and the town carefully preserves the memory of those who went to sea and never returned.

A festival of commemoration and celebration

The Festival of the Sea and Sailors is more than just a summer celebration; it is a moment of remembrance and celebration that brings the entire community of Valéry together. On Sunday, a religious procession departs from the Sailors' Calvary to the Quai d'Amont, where an open-air mass is held at the Saint-Michel Calvary. The blessing of the sea and the parade of decorated boats with a wreath-laying ceremony are the highlights of this emotional day.

Sea trips and nautical discoveries

The festival offers numerous sea trips on various vessels: traditional sailboats, fishing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Visitors can board historic ships like the Schooner La Licorne to discover the coastline from the sea. The SNSM (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer - National Sea Rescue Society) provides rescue demonstrations, while sailing and kayaking initiations allow younger visitors to discover nautical activities.

Sea shanties and concerts

Sea shanties are at the heart of the festival, with concerts by shanty groups filling the port with their powerful voices. Various musical ensembles perform throughout the weekend, from brass bands and Celtic music groups to batucadas. On Saturday evening, a grand evening concert extends the festivities into the night, in a festive maritime atmosphere.

Craft market and family entertainment

On the Place du Marché and around the pleasure boat basin, a craft market showcases creations and local products from Normandy. Exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations of nautical knots and maritime crafts are offered throughout the weekend. Children can enjoy games, rides, and dedicated entertainment, while on-site catering allows visitors to taste seafood specialties.

An event supported by 200 volunteers

The Festival of the Sea and Sailors mobilizes over 200 volunteers each year, a remarkable number for a town of less than 5,000 inhabitants. This collective effort demonstrates the deep attachment of the people of Valéry to their maritime traditions and their desire to keep this intergenerational heritage alive. With approximately 12,000 visitors over the weekend, the festival has become a major summer event on the Alabaster Coast.