Fête de la Mer
Homage to sailors and celebration of the ocean in Capbreton
2026
About Fête de la Mer
Fête de la Mer — edition 2026
The Capbreton Sea Festival returns on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 to the port, for a very special edition: the 80th anniversary of the event. Two days of tribute to lost sailors, casetas del mar, bandas, boat trips, and maritime festivities, with the traditional ceremony of the flotilla and the wreath of flowers thrown into the sea.
2026 Edition — 80 years of the Sea Festival
The 2026 edition of the Capbreton Sea Festival is an anniversary edition: the event, born in 1946, celebrates this year its 80 years of history, traditions, and attachment to the maritime identity of the Landes port city. Join us on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the port of Capbreton.
Two days of festivities at the port
As every year, the City of Capbreton and its partners (MACS Port et Lac, local associations, port merchants) roll out a packed program throughout the weekend, from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. Casetas del mar, bandas, nautical activities, exhibitions, and concerts punctuate these two days on the quays and along the pier.
Announced activities
- Casetas del mar village (refreshment stands and seafood catering)
- Bandas and musical entertainment on the quays
- Sea trips and discovery of the Capbreton gouf
- Supervised diving initiations
- Exhibitions on Capbreton's maritime heritage
- Rescue demonstrations and introductions (seamanship, first aid)
- Concerts and stages in town and at partner businesses
The highlight: tribute to sailors
On Sunday morning, the tribute ceremony to sailors lost at sea is the highlight of the festival. According to tradition, the prefect, the mayor, and the priest embark on an admiral's boat, followed by a flotilla of fishing and pleasure boats, and throw a wreath of flowers into the sea in memory of the sailors. A moment of reflection and sharing highly anticipated by the people of Capbreton.
Detailed program
The full program for this anniversary edition (precise times, musical line-up, list of activities per day) will be communicated by the City of Capbreton in the weeks leading up to the event. To follow announcements, consult the Capbreton town hall website or contact the town hall at 05 58 72 10 09.
Highlights Fête de la Mer 2026
- Anniversary edition: 80 years of the Sea Festival (1946-2026)
- Tribute ceremony to lost sailors with flotilla and wreath of flowers
- Casetas del mar village at the port
- Sea trips and supervised diving initiations
- Bandas, concerts, and entertainment in town
- Free admission
Prices Fête de la Mer 2026
Some specific activities (boat trips, diving initiations) may require prior registration and a modest financial contribution — limited places, reservation recommended with the organizers.
Fête de la Mer — 2027 edition
The 2026 edition was held from 13 June to 14 June 2026. The dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced yet. This page will be updated as soon as the official programme is published.
Practical information — Fête de la Mer
Practical Information
Location
The Fête de la Mer takes place at the Port of Capbreton, Avenue Georges Pompidou, 40130 Capbreton. Activities are spread across the quays, pontoons, and areas of the fishing and pleasure port, offering an authentic setting facing the jetty and the ocean.
Dates and Times
The Fête de la Mer is held every year in June, usually on the third weekend of the month, Saturday and Sunday. Activities begin in the morning and continue until the evening. The ceremony honouring sailors traditionally takes place on Sunday morning.
Prices
Access to the Fête de la Mer is free. Certain specific activities (boat trips, diving taster sessions) may require prior registration and a modest financial contribution. As places are limited for these activities, it is recommended to register as soon as reservations open.
Access
- By car: Capbreton is accessible via the A63 motorway (Capbreton/Labenne exit). The port is located in the town centre, near Notre-Dame beach. Public parking nearby (port parking, train station parking). Note that parking can be difficult on weekends.
- By train: Bayonne TGV station is 25 km away, then bus or taxi.
- By bus: MACS Transport network, stop Port de Capbreton.
- By bike: Cycle paths from neighbouring towns. Bicycle parking available at the port.
Food and Drink
The "casetas del mar" offer seafood and drinks throughout the event: grilled fish, "chipirons" (small squid), seafood tapas, and Landes specialities. The port of Capbreton also has many fish and seafood restaurants nearby.
Practical Tips
- Bring sunscreen and a hat if the weather is good
- Register in advance for boat trips and diving taster sessions
- Activities are planned for children throughout the weekend
- Arrive early on Sunday to attend the tribute ceremony
Contact
For any information: Ville de Capbreton — Tel. 05 58 72 10 09 — Website: capbreton.fr
Fête de la Mer: Capbreton Celebrates its Maritime Heritage
The Fête de la Mer in Capbreton is more than just a festive event: it is a vibrant tribute to the sailors and fishermen who have shaped the identity of this Landes port town. Every year in June, the port of Capbreton adorns itself in its finest colours to host two days of celebrations blending maritime tradition, culture, and conviviality.
A Deeply Rooted Tradition
Capbreton is one of the few fishing ports on the Landes coast, and the Fête de la Mer perpetuates the memory of generations of sailors who braved the Atlantic Ocean. The highlight of the event is the ceremony honouring sailors lost at sea, followed by a procession of fishing and pleasure boats in the port and along the jetty. This moving procession brings together sailors' families, elected officials, and residents in a moment of remembrance and solidarity.
The Casetas del Mar
Inspired by traditional festivals of the Southwest, the "casetas del mar" (bars and food stalls) are set up on the port quays, offering seafood specialities and local Landes products. The atmosphere is festive, friendly, and family-oriented.
A Rich and Varied Program
The Fête de la Mer offers a program of activities for all ages:
- Exhibitions: Painting, photography, and maritime archives retracing the history of the port of Capbreton
- Boat trips: Discovering the Capbreton trench and the coastline from the sea
- Diving taster sessions: Introduction to scuba diving supervised by qualified instructors
- Sea shanty concerts: Choirs and bands performing traditional maritime repertoire
- Coastal rescue demonstrations: Exercises by the SNSM (Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer) and sea rescuers
- Introduction to nautical knots: Practical workshops to discover the art of ropework
- Discovery of marine species: Educational stands on ocean fauna and flora
- First aid training: PSC1 (First Aid Certificate Level 1) training offered by rescue associations
- Musical entertainment: Bands, music groups, and a festive atmosphere on the quays
A Unifying Event
Organized by the City of Capbreton in partnership with MACS Port et Lac, local associations, and port merchants, the Fête de la Mer is a special time for Capbreton residents, visitors, and maritime professionals to connect. It helps to promote the town's maritime heritage and keep ocean culture alive for new generations.
Where does it take place — Fête de la Mer
Fête de la Mer in brief
History of Fête de la Mer
Edition 2025 Jun 2025Other festivals near Capbreton
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