Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques
When the Vercors mountains smell of the Brittany sea
About Coquille Saint-Jacques
Created in 2009 by the association Cuisine et Passion en Vercors, the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques in Villard-de-Lans is a unique gastronomic event that combines the flavors of the Atlantic Ocean with the peaks of the Vercors. Every year at the end of March, 40 boats from the bay of Saint-Brieuc transport over 40 tons of fresh scallops to this mountain resort over 1,000 meters above sea level. About fifty top chefs from the Dauphiné region prepare their culinary creations, while Breton concerts, fest-noz, brass bands, and sea shanties liven up the village for two days.
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The Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques: a unique gastronomic gathering in the mountains
Since 2009, Villard-de-Lans, a mountain resort nestled in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park at over 1,000 meters above sea level, has hosted a gastronomic event every late March that is as improbable as it is delicious: the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques. For two days, the Mure-Ravaud square and the Espace de la Coupole are transformed into a huge open-air market where the iodized scents of Brittany mingle with the pure air of the Alps.
A story born from the passion of a Vercors fishmonger
The adventure began with a conversation between friends during a village festival in Corrençon-en-Vercors. Claude Ruel, an iconic fishmonger in Villard-de-Lans since 1974 and a connoisseur of Breton fishing networks, had the crazy idea of bringing scallops to the mountains. In 2008, he created the association Cuisine et Passion en Vercors and contacted Breton producers as well as the Confrérie des Chevaliers de la Coquille Saint-Jacques de Saint-Brieuc. The first edition took place in March 2009, sealing a lasting partnership between the Vercors and the bay of Saint-Brieuc.
40 tons of fresh scallops transported overnight
The heart of the event is, of course, the scallop. Each year, a dedicated fishing operation mobilizes about forty boats in the bay of Saint-Brieuc, which transport over 40 tons of fresh scallops to the Vercors plateau overnight. Visitors can buy whole crates or shucked scallops, directly from Brittany. A shucking workshop is set up at the forecourt of the Coupole for novices who wish to learn the proper techniques.
50 top chefs and exceptional culinary creations
In small chalets set up in the village square, about fifty renowned chefs from the Dauphiné region offer their culinary creations featuring scallops: carpaccio, pan-seared scallops with citrus butter, creamy velouté, scallop burgers prepared by the French burger champion, and many other inventive recipes. The token system (1 token = €3) allows you to taste all the specialties. Each edition is sponsored by a renowned chef, such as Régis Marcon (three Michelin stars) or Ludovic Nardozza from the Michelin-starred restaurant Astérales in Corrençon-en-Vercors.
Two days of celebration between Brittany and Vercors
Beyond gastronomy, the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques is a true celebration of Breton culture in the Alps. The musical program combines sea shanties, Celtic music, New Orleans jazz, street brass bands, and Irish music. On Saturday evening, a grand fest-noz brings together hundreds of dancers under the Coupole. A market of Breton and local specialties offers kouign-amann, galettes, crêpes, artisanal ciders, and chocolates, while the "Cuisine & Passion" tent serves galettes and crêpes throughout the weekend.
An eco-responsible and solidarity event
The event is part of a responsible fishing initiative in collaboration with IFREMER and local fishermen, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices. With nearly 30,000 visitors each year, the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques has become a must-attend event for gastronomy in Isère and one of the most original events in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, proving that the mountains and the sea can come together around a shared passion.
Coquille Saint-Jacques — edition 2026
The 17th edition of the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques will be held on March 28 and 29, 2026, in Villard-de-Lans, under the patronage of Michelin-starred chef Ludovic Nardozza from the restaurant Astérales in Corrençon-en-Vercors. The program includes over 40 tons of fresh scallops from the bay of Saint-Brieuc, culinary creations by 50 top chefs, concerts, a fest-noz, and a market of specialties.
17th Edition — March 28 and 29, 2026
The Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques returns for its 17th edition on March 28 and 29, 2026, in Villard-de-Lans, in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. Two days when the mountains smell of the sea, where scallops are enjoyed in all their forms, prepared by the region's greatest chefs.
Patron of the 2026 Edition: Ludovic Nardozza
This 17th edition is under the patronage of chef Ludovic Nardozza, head of the Michelin-starred restaurant Astérales in Corrençon-en-Vercors. A patron rooted in the Vercors terroir, symbolizing local gastronomic excellence.
40 Tons of Fresh Scallops from Brittany
As every year, a dedicated fishing operation in the bay of Saint-Brieuc will transport over 40 tons of fresh scallops to the Vercors plateau. Sale of whole crates or shucked scallops, with the option of online pre-ordering.
Tastings and Culinary Creations
About fifty top chefs from the Dauphiné region will offer their original creations in the tasting chalets: pan-seared scallops, carpaccios, veloutés, scallop burgers, and other inventive recipes. The French burger champion will again be present with his famous scallop burger.
Rich and Varied Musical Program
The musical program for the 2026 edition promises two days of celebration:
- Avis de Grand Frais — traditional sea shanties
- Les Foujous — festive street brass band
- Hot Jazz — New Orleans jazz
- Anam Chara — Irish music
- Kalfa — Celtic rock
- Les Menéttous — fest-noz with traditional and modern instruments
- Entresol — choir of 35 men, sea shanties
- Platbande and La Band'à Jacquemart — street musical entertainment
Programme Coquille Saint-Jacques 2026
Program for the 17th Edition
Saturday, March 28, 2026
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Sale of scallops and exhibitor market
- 9 a.m.: Shucking workshop at the forecourt of the Coupole
- 10 a.m.-10 p.m.: "Cuisine & Passion" tent — galettes, crêpes, scallop burgers
- 10 a.m.: Avis de Grand Frais (sea shanties)
- 10:30 a.m.: Les Foujous (festive brass band)
- 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.: Chef tastings
- 11 a.m.: Official inauguration
- 11:30 a.m.: Hot Jazz (New Orleans jazz)
- 2:30 p.m.: Anam Chara (Irish music)
- 6:30 p.m.: Chefs' parade
- 8:30 p.m.: Kalfa (Celtic rock)
- 9 p.m.: Les Menéttous — Grand fest-noz (€5 with drink included)
Sunday, March 29, 2026
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Sale of scallops and exhibitor market
- 10 a.m.: Avis de Grand Frais (sea shanties)
- 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Chef tastings
- 11 a.m.: Procession of Breton banners — Les Menéttous, Hot Jazz, Platbande
- 2:30 p.m.: Entresol (choir of 35 men, sea shanties)
- Throughout the day: La Band'à Jacquemart, Platbande, Hot Jazz
Highlights Coquille Saint-Jacques 2026
Highlights of the 17th Edition
- Patron: Ludovic Nardozza, Michelin-starred chef from the Astérales restaurant (Corrençon-en-Vercors)
- 40 tons of fresh scallops from the bay of Saint-Brieuc
- About fifty top chefs from the Dauphiné region and their culinary creations
- French burger champion and his scallop burger
- Grand fest-noz on Saturday evening with Les Menéttous and Kalfa
- Procession of Breton banners on Sunday morning
- Entresol: choir of 35 men performing sea shanties
- Shucking workshop to learn the proper techniques
Prices Coquille Saint-Jacques 2026
Practical information — Coquille Saint-Jacques
Practical Information
Event Location
The Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques takes place on Place Mure-Ravaud and at the Espace de la Coupole, in the center of Villard-de-Lans, in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park.
Opening Hours
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (sales and workshops from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., food service from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., chef tastings from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (sales, food service, and tastings from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Prices
- General admission: free
- Chef tastings: token system, 1 token = €3, available for purchase at the chalets located at the market entrance
- Saturday evening Fest-noz (9 p.m.): €5 (one drink included)
- Scallop crates: direct sale on-site or pre-order on the official website
Car Access
- From Grenoble: D531 towards Lans-en-Vercors then Villard-de-Lans (approx. 35 minutes, 33 km)
- From Lyon: A48 exit Voreppe, then D531 via the Gorges du Vercors (approx. 1.5 hours)
- From Valence: D532 via the Col de la Croix-Perrin or via Saint-Marcellin (approx. 1.25 hours)
Note: Avenue du Général de Gaulle is closed to traffic for the entire duration of the event. Parking in the town center is very limited.
Free Parking and Shuttles
A free park-and-ride is available at Les Geymonds. Free shuttles run continuously:
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It is highly recommended to use the shuttles to facilitate access to the site.
Public Transport
Villard-de-Lans is served by Car Région Isère buses from Grenoble (line T65, approx. 1 hour). Information on itinisere.fr.
Order your scallops and tokens in advance
It is possible to pre-order your scallop crates and tasting tokens directly on the official website fete-de-la-coquille.fr, via a PDF form, or from your local fishmonger. Advance ordering is strongly recommended to avoid queues.
Practical Tips
- Arrive early in the morning to get the best selection of scallops and avoid crowds
- Bring warm clothing: late March at altitude, temperatures can be cool
- Explore all the stands before spending your tokens to discover all the chefs' creations
Contact
Association Cuisine et Passion en Vercors
Tel: 04 76 95 10 38
Website: fete-de-la-coquille.fr
Villard-de-Lans / Corrençon-en-Vercors Tourist Office: 101 place Mure-Ravaud, 38250 Villard-de-Lans
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Coquille Saint-Jacques at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Coquille Saint-Jacques
Espace de la Coupole et Place Mure-Ravaud
Place Mure-Ravaud, 38250 Villard-de-Lans