Les Traversées Tatihou
Festival of music from the sea on Tatihou Island
About Les Traversées Tatihou
Les Traversées Tatihou: A Festival Between Land and Sea
Since 1994, Les Traversées Tatihou has offered a unique musical experience in France. Created on the initiative of Gérard Viel, a cultural consultant mandated by the President of the Manche General Council to imagine a "unifying and popular" event, the festival has successfully combined musical excellence and maritime adventure.
The Crossing: An Unforgettable Experience
One of the most striking features of the festival is the crossing of the foreshore on foot. During the high tides of August, when the sea recedes, festival-goers walk the natural ford connecting the mainland to Tatihou Island. This walk of a few hundred meters, with feet in the sand and seaweed, has become a true ritual that attracts thousands of walkers each year.
Tatihou Island: A Heritage Gem
Tatihou Island boasts remarkable heritage. The site of the Battle of La Hougue in 1692, it houses Vauban fortifications inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2008, a maritime museum, botanical gardens, and a lazaretto. It is in this exceptional setting that the concerts take place, under a marquee set up facing the sea.
Music from the Sea
The festival is dedicated to "music from the sea": traditional and world music linked to the sea, islands, and shores. The programming features a wide range of groups from diverse nationalities, from all continents, to introduce the public to the maritime and island musical traditions of the world.
Workshops and Encounters
Beyond the concerts, the festival offers music and dance workshops, artist meet-and-greets, activities for children, and heritage walks in the Val de Saire. The festival also extends to the mainland, in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and the towns of the Val de Saire.
A Festival Supported by the Department
Les Traversées Tatihou is organized by the Departmental Council of Manche, which handles the artistic programming and logistics of this unique event. The festival benefits from the support of the Normandy Region and the Ministry of Culture, testifying to its artistic quality and cultural importance.
Les Traversées Tatihou — edition 2026
The 32nd edition of Les Traversées Tatihou takes place from August 12 to 16, 2026, in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, on Tatihou Island and in the Val de Saire. The festival of 'musiques du large' (music from the open sea) offers about forty concerts bringing together some twenty nations, within the exceptional heritage setting of Tatihou Island and its UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications. The festival's uniqueness lies in the rhythm of the tides: at low tide, the public walks to the island for concerts under the big top.
32nd Edition — August 12 to 16, 2026
For its 32nd edition, Les Traversées Tatihou festival will take place from August 12 to 16, 2026, between Tatihou Island, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, and the municipalities of Val de Saire. Nearly 40 concerts are scheduled over these five days of traditional and world music, with about twenty nations represented (Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Senegal, Quebec, India, Corsica, and several French regions).
The festival, which gathered around 14,000 festival-goers last year, maintains its unique format dictated by the tides: at low tide, festival-goers walk across to Tatihou Island to attend concerts under the big top. In addition to the concerts, there will be an open stage and free concerts on the Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue quay, Irish sessions, activities for EHPAD residents, as well as a conference by journalist Frank Tenaille. The 2026 edition offers a record number of 22 artistic workshops (dance, polyphonic singing, diatonic accordion, introduction to Irish dance), open to all and led by artists.
Programme Les Traversées Tatihou 2026
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 — Opening (Grande Traversée)
- 3:00 PM — Dhoad, The Gypsies of Rajasthan (India)
- Evening — Nor'Mad (French folk)
- Evening — Capercaillie (Scotland, Scottish folk)
Artists Scheduled for this Edition
- A Filetta (Corsica, Corsican polyphonies)
- Ablaye Cissoko (Senegal, kora)
- Ensemble Constantinople (Mediterranean music)
- Flook & Tempest (traditional Irish music)
- Mélisande (Quebec, Quebec electro-trad)
- Davide Ambrogio Quartet (Italy, traditional Italian singing)
Full program and detailed schedule on the official website: traversees-tatihou.manche.fr/programmation
Highlights Les Traversées Tatihou 2026
- Festival of 'musiques du large' (music from the open sea) dictated by the tides: walk to Tatihou Island at low tide
- About forty concerts, twenty nations represented
- 22 artistic workshops (edition record)
- Free concerts and open stage on the Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue quay
- Exceptional heritage setting: UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications
Prices Les Traversées Tatihou 2026
Practical information — Les Traversées Tatihou
Practical Information
Access to Tatihou Island
On foot: During the highest tides, crossing the foreshore on foot is possible for about 4 hours around low tide. Crossing times are announced daily by the organization.
By amphibious boat: An amphibious boat provides the link between Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou Island in all tidal conditions.
Access to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
By car: Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is accessible from Cherbourg (30 km) via the D902, or from Valognes via the D902. Parking is available in Saint-Vaast.
By train: Valognes station, then a bus or taxi connection.
Ticketing
Tickets on sale on the festival website and on-site. Combined tickets for concerts and amphibious boat crossing available.
Practical Tips
- Bring suitable footwear for crossing the foreshore (water shoes or old trainers)
- Respect crossing times for your safety
- Bring a flashlight for the night return
- The island's capacity is limited: book your tickets in advance
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Where does it take place — Les Traversées Tatihou
Île Tatihou et Val de Saire
Île Tatihou, 50550 Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue