Fête du Hareng et de la Coquille Saint-Jacques de Fécamp

Fécamp, millennial capital of herring

The history of herring in Fécamp dates back over a millennium. As early as 1030, herring fishing was recorded in this port on the Côte d'Albâtre, and in 1088, Duke Robert II, eldest son of William the Conqueror, authorized the Abbey of Fécamp to establish an annual fair "that will last as long as herring fishing exists". For centuries, Fécamp was one of the main herring fishing centers in the English Channel, developing considerable economic prosperity and unique smoking and salting know-how around this "king fish".

A popular festival between tradition and conviviality

The Herring and Scallop Festival perpetuates this maritime tradition by transforming the quays of Fécamp into a vast festive village every last weekend of November. The barbecue village fills the sea air with the aroma of grilled smoked herring and scallop skewers, while fishermen sell their day's catch directly at the stalls. Visitors can enjoy these treasures of the sea with Norman cider and local specialties.

The weekend's highlights

The program opens on Saturday morning with the official inauguration on the Sadi Carnot quay, followed by spectacular demonstrations by the filleuses, those workers who perpetuate the ancestral gesture of filleting herring with remarkable dexterity. The afternoon is marked by the election of the Herring Queen, a festive tradition organized by the association Le Dundee Indépendant. On Sunday, the traditional "déhalage en chansons" (hauling with songs) revives the gestures of sailors of yesteryear, accompanied by concerts of sea shanties and brass bands.

La Boucane: traditional herring smoking

A heritage highlight of the festival, La Boucane opens its doors from the Monday preceding the weekend at 77 rue des Prés. This traditional smoking facility, managed by the association La Boucane et le Dundee Indépendant, allows visitors to discover the ancestral know-how of herring smoking, from packing to smoking. Demonstrations take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering a fascinating dive into the history of this industry that made Fécamp famous.

A festive village for the whole family

On the Jean Recher quay, the Family Village offers creative workshops, face painting, stencils, and a carousel for children. The village of maritime heritage associations presents the history and traditions of Fécamp fishing. The Musée des Pêcheries (Fisheries Museum), housed in a former cod drying shed, participates in the festival with exhibitions, guided tours, and documentary screenings. The fish market (La Criée) also opens its doors for visits and the sale of seafood.

An event rooted in Fécamp's maritime identity

Organized by the City of Fécamp with the support of numerous local maritime associations, the Herring and Scallop Festival is more than just a gastronomic celebration. It celebrates the deep maritime identity of this city, which was also the capital of cod fishing in Newfoundland. With free admission and entertainment for all ages, it is the unmissable autumn event on the Côte d'Albâtre.