Two nights where music sets sail from Les Sables-d'Olonne
Organized by the Commune Libre de la Chaume on the Place du Vendée Globe in Les Sables-d'Olonne, Kraken en Bordée is a music festival that alternates every two years with La Grande Bordée, a major Vendée maritime festival. For two open-air evenings facing the ocean, the festival offers an eclectic program mixing hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s on the first night, followed by a rock wave on the second, welcoming several thousand festival-goers in a festive and popular atmosphere.
Born from the maritime tradition of Les Sables, Kraken en Bordée is the musical component of La Grande Bordée, a flagship event in Les Sables-d'Olonne organized by the Commune Libre de la Chaume. Every two years, alternating with La Grande Bordée — a major heritage and maritime festival — Kraken en Bordée takes over the Place du Vendée Globe for two evenings of open-air concerts, facing the port and the Atlantic Ocean.
The festival's concept is based on two distinct themed evenings. The first is dedicated to hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s: a nostalgic and festive evening that revives the greatest hits of these decades, featuring iconic artists and lively DJ sets. The second evening is dedicated to rock, with a powerful and electric program ranging from garage punk to punk metal, and Celtic folk.
The festival is part of a centuries-old tradition. In the last century, August 15th was the day of the Sea Festival in Les Sables-d'Olonne: open-air mass, blessings, tributes to those lost at sea, and a procession of the Les Sables fleet adorned with colorful flags. It is this heritage that the Commune Libre de la Chaume perpetuates through its events, blending maritime tradition and popular festivities.
The Place du Vendée Globe, the starting point of the famous solo sailing race, transforms for a weekend into a huge open-air concert stage. With a capacity of nearly 5,000 spectators, the site offers a unique setting between the marina, historic quays, and the sea horizon, for unforgettable musical evenings in the heart of the Vendée summer.
Kraken en Bordée 2026 offers two themed evenings at the Place du Vendée Globe: an 80s/90s/2000s hits night on Friday with Stars 80, Ophélie Winter, Faudel, and Stomy Bugsy, followed by a rock night on Saturday with Tagada Jones, Celkilt, and Johnny Mafia.
Kraken en Bordée returns on August 14th and 15th, 2026 at the Place du Vendée Globe in Les Sables-d'Olonne for two evenings of open-air concerts.
Friday, August 14th — 80s/90s/2000s Evening: starting at 6:30 PM with Tribute Téléphone as opening act, followed by Partenaire Particulier, Sloane, Mario Ramsany, Black Box feat. Katrin, Nuttea, Helmut Fritz, Stomy Bugsy, Faudel, and Ophélie Winter. DJ Set Michel Mercury to close.
Saturday, August 15th — Rock Evening: Johnny Mafia (6:30 PM), Dynamite Shakers (8:00 PM), Les Sablaises de l'Enfer (9:30 PM), Celkilt + Bagad Ar Meilhoù Glaz (10:30 PM), and Tagada Jones (midnight). DJ Set Michel Mercury between sets.
Place du Vendée Globe, Les Sables-d'Olonne (85100), Vendée. The site is located facing the port, in immediate proximity to the town center and the historic district of La Chaume.
Friday, August 14th and Saturday, August 15th, 2026. Gates open at 6:00 PM, first concerts at 6:30 PM.
2-night pass: €49 (reduced rate 11-17 years: €30). Friday evening: €35. Saturday evening: €25. Free for children under 11 years old upon reservation. Tickets available at lagrandebordee.fr.
By car: Les Sables-d'Olonne is accessible via the D160 from La Roche-sur-Yon (35 min). Parking available near the port and town center.
By train: Les Sables-d'Olonne SNCF station, a 15-minute walk from the Place du Vendée Globe.
Food and drink available on site. Festival strongly discouraged for children under 6 years old. Concerts until 1:30 AM.
No photo yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community
Book your train or bus to reach Kraken en Bordée at the best price.
Sponsored link
Place du Vendée Globe
Place du Vendée Globe, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne