Fêtes de l'Ostra
Celebration of the Marennes-Oléron oyster, from the tide to the plate
2026
About Fêtes de l'Ostra
The Fêtes de l'Ostra is a celebration of the Marennes Oléron IGP oysters, held in Marennes (Charente-Maritime). Created in 2024 by the Groupement Qualité Huîtres Marennes Oléron to mark its 50th anniversary, the festival is now an annual event. The first three editions take place in mid-October at the entrance to the La Cayenne channel, featuring a producers' market, guided tastings, culinary demonstrations by guest chefs, workshops, walks through the oyster beds, and evening concerts.
Fêtes de l'Ostra — edition 2026
The third edition of the Fêtes de l'Ostra takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM at the entrance to the Cayenne channel in Marennes. Enjoy tastings, culinary demonstrations, and a concert by Flavia Coelho; the full program has yet to be released by the organizers.
2026 Edition
The Marennes Oléron PGI Oysters association presents the third edition of the Fêtes de l'Ostra on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM at the entrance to the Cayenne channel, rue des Martyrs in Marennes. Admission is free, though some activities may require a fee.
As of mid-August 2026, only the main highlights have been announced: natural and creative oyster tastings, entertainment, culinary demonstrations, a concert by Flavia Coelho, and a food and bar area. The full schedule and ticketing information will be posted on the event's official website soon.
Highlights Fêtes de l'Ostra 2026
- Concert by Flavia Coelho
- Tastings of natural and creative Marennes Oléron PGI and Label Rouge oysters
- Culinary demonstrations
- Free admission, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Programme Fêtes de l'Ostra 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
- 10:00 AM → 11:00 PM — Site open, entrance to the Cayenne channel, rue des Martyrs in Marennes
- Tastings of natural and creative Marennes Oléron PGI and Label Rouge oysters
- Culinary demonstrations
- Entertainment
- Concert by Flavia Coelho
- Food and bar area
This is all the information released by the organizers so far: no specific set times, guest chef names, or workshop details are available yet. The official website is still showing the 2025 edition; the full 2026 program and ticketing are expected to be announced soon.
Prices Fêtes de l'Ostra 2026
Practical information — Fêtes de l'Ostra
Practical Information
Location
Entrance to the La Cayenne channel, at the Cité de l'Huître summer parking lot, rue des Martyrs, 17320 Marennes (commune of Marennes-Hiers-Brouage).
Parking
Free parking is available on-site. The organizers also suggest using the Intermarché parking lot (rue des Entrepreneurs) and the tourist office parking lot (place Chasseloup-Laubat) in Marennes.
Admission
Free entry. Some activities are ticketed; please check the official website for bookings.
On-site Facilities
Food and drinks are available. The site is stroller-friendly and includes a water refill station. Dogs must be kept on a leash. Please note that outside food, drinks, glass bottles, scooters, bicycles, rollerblades, and backpacks larger than 30L are strictly prohibited.
Celebrating Marennes Oléron IGP Oysters
The Groupement Qualité Huîtres Marennes Oléron launched the Fêtes de l'Ostra in 2024 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The inaugural event on October 12th and 13th, 2024, in La Cayenne attracted over 4,000 visitors, while the second edition on October 18th, 2025, was held as a one-day event. The festival marks the official start of the oyster season in the Marennes-Oléron basin.
The Venue
The festival is located at the entrance to the La Cayenne channel, on the summer parking lot of the Cité de l'Huître, on rue des Martyrs in Marennes, just steps away from the Cité de l'Huître itself. The area is surrounded by traditional oyster huts, pontoons, and fishing platforms, with the oyster refining ponds accessible on foot from the site.
What to Expect
The program features a market showcasing local producers and artisans, guided tastings of Marennes Oléron IGP oysters, and pairings with other quality-certified products (such as Charentais IGP wines, Cognac AOC, Franciacorta AOP, and gin). Visitors can also enjoy culinary demonstrations by guest chefs, workshops, opportunities to meet oyster farmers, guided walks or boat trips through the ponds, and live music. Admission is free, though some activities require a fee and advance booking.
Where does it take place — Fêtes de l'Ostra
Fêtes de l'Ostra in brief
Other festivals near Marennes-Hiers-Brouage
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