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

Le Tréport, first port of the herring season

Every year in November, the Norman coast celebrates the return of herring with a series of festivals that run from north to south of the Côte d'Albâtre. Le Tréport has the honor of kicking off the season, welcoming the first herring festival of the year, before Dieppe, Saint-Valery-en-Caux, and Fécamp. This leading position reflects the historical importance of this port in herring fishing, this "king fish" that has fed and enriched the Norman coastal communities for centuries.

A fishing tradition rooted in history

Le Tréport, nestled at the foot of Europe's highest chalk cliffs, has been an active fishing port since the Middle Ages. Herring fishing was a major economic activity here, with its fleets of boats setting out each autumn for the herring season. Smokehouses and salting workshops lined the quays, and herring from Le Tréport was renowned throughout the region. Although industrial fishing declined in the 20th century, the culinary and festive tradition surrounding herring has remained vivid in the collective memory of Le Tréport.

The Harengade: a gourmet and friendly festival

The Fête du Hareng du Tréport, known locally as the "harengade," takes place in the Serge Reggiani hall, rue Lucien Lavacry. Volunteers from the association Le Tréport Festif prepare and serve grilled, marinated, and smoked herring accompanied by crispy fries. The aroma of grilled herring fills the entire town, attracting food lovers from all over the region. Service is without reservation, on a first-come, first-served basis, and takeaway is also available.

Artisanal market and musical entertainment

Around the hall, an artisanal market is set up with local producers and artisans offering their creations. Concerts punctuate the weekend, with local bands providing a festive and warm atmosphere. On Saturday evening, the celebration continues into the night with live music and tasting, while Sunday offers a more family-friendly atmosphere from 11 am to 6 pm.

A popular event driven by volunteers

The Fête du Hareng du Tréport is driven by the commitment of the volunteers from the association Le Tréport Festif, which mobilizes a team of enthusiasts each year to prepare, cook, and serve visitors. This participatory and volunteer dimension gives the event an authentic and warm character, far from large commercial events. It is a true neighborhood festival extended to the scale of a town, where locals and visitors come together around the simple pleasure of sharing grilled herring with friends.