Fête de la Mer de Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

A centuries-old maritime festival

Every first or second weekend of August, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme vibrates to the rhythm of its Fête de la Mer, one of the oldest and most moving maritime festivals on the Picardy coast. This celebration, deeply rooted in the identity of the town, pays homage to the sailors and fishermen who have shaped the history of this thousand-year-old port nestled at the bottom of the Baie de Somme.

The Courtgain district celebrates

The beating heart of the Fête de la Mer is in the Courtgain district, the historic cradle of Saint-Valery's sailors. This maze of narrow streets lined with low, colorful houses is adorned for the occasion with garlands and gladioli, transforming each alley into a jewel box of colors. The residents of the district compete in creativity to decorate their facades and perpetuate a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Blessing of boats and tribute to the lost

The highlight of the festival is the blessing of the boats, a solemn and emotional moment. On Sunday morning, after the mass celebrated at the Chapelle des Marins (Saint-Pierre Chapel), a sacred building built in 1878 housing ex-votos and a holy fountain, a procession crosses the streets of Courtgain to the port. The priest then blesses each boat from the deck of the Charcot III, while floral wreaths are thrown into the sea in memory of the lost sailors.

This moment of reflection, where the entire town looks in the same direction—towards the sea—is one of the most poignant moments of Valeriquaise life.

Concerts, ball, and conviviality

The Fête de la Mer is not just about solemnity. The weekend is also a great popular festival. On Saturday evening, a mussels and fries dinner brings together locals and visitors on the Place des Pilotes, followed by a ball hosted by a DJ. On Sunday, sea shanty concerts and folk music resonate on the port, while family activities liven up the afternoon. The weekend traditionally ends with a ball by the sea.