Fête de la Chicorée
Celebration of chicory heritage in the Audruicq region
About 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.
Fête de la Chicorée — edition 2026
The Chicory Festival returns in autumn 2026 for a month of festivities in the Audruicq–Oye-Plage region, from September 20 to October 23. The theme of this edition's competition: "The Best Cake in the World, Chicory Flavor". On the program: conferences, culinary workshops, guided tours of the Sécherie, escape games, open days at the Chicorée du Nord roasting plant, shows, and the gourmet fair "Chicory, it's for cooking!"
2026 Edition: A Month Around Chicory
For its new edition, the Chicory Festival will take place from September 20 to October 23, 2026, across several municipalities in the Audruicq–Oye-Plage region (Audruicq, Vieille-Église, Offekerque, Oye-Plage, and Saint-Folquin). Organized by the association Des Racines et des Hommes in conjunction with the Porte d'Opale Intercommunal Tourist and Trade Office, the event combines industrial heritage, gastronomy, and activities for all audiences.
The Pastry Competition: "The Best Cake in the World, Chicory Flavor"
The flagship competition of 2026 invites amateur pastry chefs to revisit recipes from around the world by incorporating chicory as a mandatory ingredient. Registrations close on September 15, 2026, the semi-final will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at the Audruicq market, and the final on Sunday, October 11, during the "Chicory, it's for cooking!" fair in Saint-Folquin.
Tours, Shows, and Heritage Discoveries
Throughout the month, the Sécherie de Vieille-Église and its sculpture garden open their doors for guided tours, escape games, and the humorous show "Les larmes du sécheur". The Chicorée du Nord roasting plant offers open days to follow the transformation process, from root to beverage. Conferences, culinary workshops, and restaurants offering 100% chicory menus complete this festive program.
Programme Fête de la Chicorée 2026
September 2026
- September 15 — Registration closes for the pastry competition "The Best Cake in the World, Chicory Flavor"
- Wednesday, September 23 — Pastry competition semi-final, at the Audruicq market
October 2026
- Wednesday, October 7 — Culinary workshop around chicory
- Saturday, October 10 — France-Belgium conference on chicory
- Sunday, October 11 — Conference on chicory advertising · Pastry competition final · Gourmet fair "Chicory, it's for cooking!" in Saint-Folquin (from 10:00 AM) · Escape game at the Sécherie de Vieille-Église
- Monday, October 12 — Visit to the Sécherie and the sculpture garden
- October 16 to 19 — Humorous show "Les larmes du sécheur"
- Sunday, October 18 — Festival highlight (3rd weekend of October) · Escape game at the Sécherie · Open days at the Chicorée du Nord roasting plant
- Monday, October 19 — Visit to the Sécherie and the sculpture garden
- Saturday, October 24 — 100% chicory dinner with friends (closing event)
Full program and reservations on the official website and with the Porte d'Opale Tourist Office (03 21 00 83 83).
Highlights Fête de la Chicorée 2026
- 2026 Pastry competition "The Best Cake in the World, Chicory Flavor"
- Guided tours and escape games at the Sécherie de Vieille-Église
- Open days at the Chicorée du Nord roasting plant
- Show "Les larmes du sécheur"
- Gourmet fair "Chicory, it's for cooking!" and 100% chicory menus
Prices Fête de la Chicorée 2026
Practical information — Fête de la Chicorée
Access
By car: Audruicq is located on the D943, about 20 km from Calais and 25 km from Saint-Omer. Accessible via the A26 (Audruicq/Ardres exit).
By train: Calais-Fréthun station is about 15 km away. Bus lines serve Audruicq from Calais.
Practical Information
The festival takes place over a month, from late September to late October, with events in several communes in the Audruicq region. Some activities are free, others are paid (guided tours, workshops). Booking recommended for tours and workshops.
Contact
Association Des Racines et des Hommes
Audruicq – Oye-Plage Tourist Office
Website: www.fetedelachicoree.fr
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Where does it take place — Fête de la Chicorée
Communes de la Région d'Audruicq
Office de Tourisme et du Commerce Intercommunal Porte d'Opale, 66 place du Général de Gaulle, 62370 Audruicq, 62370 Audruicq