Fête de la Chicorée

The Fête de la Chicorée: Heritage and Gastronomy

Since 2001, the Fête de la Chicorée has celebrated this emblematic product of the Hauts-de-France every autumn in the community of communes of the Audruicq region. Organized by the association Des Racines et des Hommes, in partnership with the Communauté de Communes de la Région d'Audruicq (CCRA) and its Promotion Committee (CPETI), this month-long event highlights a unique agro-industrial heritage.

A month of festivities around chicory

The Fête de la Chicorée unfolds over a full month, from late September to late October. On the program: conferences on the history and culture of chicory, guided tours of the heritage Sécherie and the Chicorée du Nord roasting plant, culinary workshops to learn how to cook with chicory, and the famous chicory cake competition that brings together the region's pastry talents.

Tours and Discoveries

One of the highlights of the festival is the discovery of the production sites. The Sécherie, a vestige of local industrial heritage, opens its doors for guided tours that retrace the history of chicory in the region. The Chicorée du Nord roasting plant also offers open days, allowing visitors to follow the transformation process, from root to beverage.

A Unique Gastronomic Heritage

Chicory is more than just a drink in the Hauts-de-France: it is a gastronomic heritage deeply rooted in the identity of the territory. Cultivated since the 19th century in the region, chicory has sustained generations of farmers and workers. The Fête de la Chicorée perpetuates this memory and promotes the know-how that is still alive today.

Activities for Everyone

Escape games at the Sécherie, comedy shows, tastings, and producers' markets complete the festive program. The event is designed to appeal to all audiences, from connoisseurs to the simply curious, from families to industrial heritage enthusiasts.

The Audruicq Region, Cradle of Chicory

The Audruicq region, between Calais and Saint-Omer, is historically one of the cradles of chicory cultivation in France. The clay soils and the oceanic climate of the Flemish coast offer ideal conditions for growing this plant. The festival takes place in several communes: Audruicq, Vieille-Église, Offekerque, Oye-Plage, and Saint-Folquin.