La Grande Bordée
The festival for seafarers in Les Sables-d'Olonne
About La Grande Bordée
La Grande Bordée: The Festival for Seafarers
Born in the early 2000s on the initiative of the Commune Libre de la Chaume, La Grande Bordée perpetuates the age-old tradition of the Fête de la Mer that once animated Les Sables-d'Olonne every August 15th. On this occasion, the entire Sables fleet paraded in the channel, adorned with banners and colorful flags, while the town paid tribute to its sailors lost at sea.
A Major Maritime Gathering
Every two years, the Place du Vendée Globe and the quays of La Chaume are transformed into a vast maritime village where over 80 old rigs, open to public visits, are moored in the port. Artisans and enthusiasts share their know-how through demonstrations of traditional maritime trades: rope making, sail making, shipbuilding. The maritime art market brings together about fifty exhibitors offering paintings, sculptures, and objects related to the marine world.
Music from the Sea and Living Traditions
Music is at the heart of La Grande Bordée. On several stages spread between the Tour d'Arundel, the Quais de la Chaume, and Port Olona, sea shanty groups, Celtic pipe bands, folk ensembles, and renowned artists perform. The Kraken evenings, which have become emblematic, host headliners on the Place du Vendée Globe in front of thousands of spectators.
Heritage and Transmission
La Grande Bordée is more than just a festival: it is an act of transmission. The open-air mass at the Prieuré Saint-Nicolas, the parade in traditional Chaume costumes, and the blessing of the sea recall the city's deeply maritime identity. With its 200 traditional costumes worn during the procession and activities for young and old, the event weaves a living link between generations and Vendée's maritime heritage.
La Grande Bordée — edition 2026
In 2026, La Grande Bordée gives way to Kraken en Bordée: two evenings of concerts on Place du Vendée Globe in Les Sables-d'Olonne, on August 14 and 15, 2026. A retro 80s/90s/2000s evening on Friday, a rock evening on Saturday.
2026 Edition — Kraken en Bordée
In the intermediate year between two full editions of La Grande Bordée (biennial festival), Kraken en Bordée offers two festive evenings on Place du Vendée Globe in Les Sables-d'Olonne on August 14 and 15, 2026.
Friday, August 14, is dedicated to a retro 80s/90s/2000s evening with a lineup of stars from that era; Saturday, August 15, features a powerful and electric rock evening. Between concerts, DJ sets by Michel Mercury ensure the atmosphere during stage changes.
Programme La Grande Bordée 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026 — 80s/90s/2000s Evening
- 18:30 — Tribute Téléphone
- 21:00 — 80s/90s/2000s Stars Lineup: Partenaire Particulier, Nuttea, Sloane, Helmut Fritz, Black Box feat. Katrin, Stomy Bugsy, Faudel, Ophélie Winter, Mario Ramsamy (ex-Émile et Images)
- Between sets: DJ Set Michel Mercury
Saturday, August 15, 2026 — Rock Evening
- 18:30 — Johnny Mafia
- 20:00 — Dynamite Shakers
- 21:30 — Les Sablaises de l'Enfer
- 22:30 — Celkilt + Bagad Ar Meilhoù Glaz
- 00:00 — Tagada Jones
- Between sets: DJ Set Michel Mercury
Highlights La Grande Bordée 2026
- Two evenings of open-air concerts on Place du Vendée Globe
- Retro 80s/90s/2000s evening with a lineup of stars from that era
- Rock evening with Tagada Jones, Celkilt and the local scene (Les Sablaises de l'Enfer)
- Free parking (5,000 spaces) and shuttles from parking areas
Prices La Grande Bordée 2026
Practical information — La Grande Bordée
Practical Information
Access
By car: Les Sables-d'Olonne is accessible via the A87 from Paris (4h30) and Nantes (1h15). Follow signs for « Place du Vendée Globe » or « Port Olona ». Parking in the town center and shuttle buses from park-and-ride lots on festival days.
By train: Les Sables-d'Olonne SNCF station, a 15-minute walk from Place du Vendée Globe.
Ticketing
Daytime maritime activities are free to access. Evening concerts (Soirées Kraken) are ticketed, starting from €32.50. Tickets available on lagrandebordee.fr and usual points of sale.
On-site
Food and drink stands along the quays. Maritime village with exhibitors and artisans. Doors open for evening concerts at 6:00 PM. The festival takes place on several sites: Place du Vendée Globe, Quais de la Chaume, Tour d'Arundel, and Port Olona.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — La Grande Bordée
Place du Vendée Globe
Place du Vendée Globe, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne