Fête de la Coquille de Courseulles-sur-Mer

The scallop, a gastronomic jewel of Calvados

Every year in November, the fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer celebrates the start of the scallop season with a premier gastronomic event. The Festival of the Scallop, Seafood and Gastronomy transforms the Quai des Alliés into a large market dedicated to maritime flavors, attracting thousands of visitors eager to taste this gem of Norman cuisine.

Culinary workshops and tastings

The « Cuisine en Duo » culinary workshops, led by local chefs, are a highlight of the festival. Participants learn to prepare refined scallop recipes: roasted scallops with sweet potato puree and lime emulsion on Saturday, scallop ceviche with citrus and crunchy salad on Sunday. Tasting stands offer scallops in all their forms: raw, pan-seared, gratinated, or on skewers.

Seafood market and entertainment

The market brings together fishermen, oyster farmers, and producers from the Calvados coast, offering fresh scallops, oysters, mussels, shrimp, and fish. Entertainment includes photo exhibitions, dog sport demonstrations, concerts, visits to the SNSM lifeboat, and workshops for children.

A tribute to the fishermen of Calvados

Beyond the gastronomic aspect, the festival pays tribute to the fishermen of Courseulles-sur-Mer and the Côte de Nacre who, every winter, set sail to fish for scallops in the waters of the English Channel. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Caen Normandy supports this event, which contributes to the influence of the local maritime sector.