Les Vieilles Coques
The oldest heritage boat gathering in France
About Vieilles Coques
Les Vieilles Coques: Maritime Heritage Celebrated in Concarneau
Every year at the beginning of July, the rear port of Concarneau, behind the ramparts of the Ville Close, hosts the oldest heritage boat gathering in France: Les Vieilles Coques. Since 1975, maritime heritage enthusiasts have converged on this port in southern Finistère to celebrate traditional boats and pass on their love for sailing and the sea.
Half a Century of Maritime Passion
The adventure of Les Vieilles Coques began in 1975, at a time when maritime heritage was not yet recognized as a heritage to be preserved. A few enthusiasts had the idea of gathering their old boats in the rear port of Concarneau to show them to the public and sail together. Since then, the event has continued to grow, becoming a must-attend event for lovers of traditional sailboats. In 2025, the gathering celebrated its 50th anniversary, half a century of commitment to maritime heritage.
Boats with Character
More than thirty traditional sailboats participate in the gathering, offering an exceptional panorama of the diversity of Breton and French nautical heritage. From the smallest dinghy of barely five meters to the most imposing of twenty-four meters, from sail-and-oar dinghies to sardine fishing boats, from shell boats to classic yachts: all come together for two days of sailing in the bay of Concarneau. The public can discover the boats by strolling along the quay, go on board for a visit, or embark for a sea trip aboard these heritage vessels.
Sea Shanties and Conviviality
The musical program features sea shanties and popular music related to the sea. On the quay, artisans showcase their traditional know-how: boat building, rope making, sail making, maritime painting. Meals, crepes, and a bar accompany the festivities. The event is completely free, true to the spirit of sharing and conviviality that has animated the association La Misaine since 2015.
Vieilles Coques — edition 2026
Les Vieilles Coques return to the back port of Concarneau from July 10th to 12th, 2026, for three days of free maritime celebration. The oldest gathering of old rigs dedicated to maritime heritage in France (since 1975), the event brings together about forty traditional sailboats, from 5 to 24 meters, which hoist their sails and parade in the bay.
Les Vieilles Coques 2026 — July 10th to 12th in Concarneau
From Friday, July 10th to Sunday, July 12th, 2026, the back port of Concarneau hosts the new edition of Les Vieilles Coques, the oldest gathering of old rigs dedicated to maritime heritage in France. Since 1975, enthusiasts and crews have been meeting at Quai Carnot to hoist sails and parade in the bay. Organized since 2015 by the association La Misaine, the event offers free admission.
On the water
About forty traditional sailboats, from the smallest (5 meters) to the most imposing (up to 24 meters), including boats classified as historical monuments and of heritage interest, leave the port under sail to navigate together in Concarneau Bay during the weekend. Many places on board are offered to the public wishing to embark and experience the parade from the deck, accompanied by experienced sailors (reservations on vieillescoques.fr/embarquer).
On land
Along the quays, a maritime village brings together about thirty artisans and creators linked to the sea. The musical program highlights popular sea-related music: sea shanties and 'marinés' songs follow one another, notably with Les Gabiers du Passage de Concarneau, a choir that performs traditional songs that once accompanied maneuvers on large sailing ships, as well as contemporary creations in French, Breton, and English. A sardine barbecue ('sardinade') and food stalls complete the convivial atmosphere along the quay.
The detailed day-by-day program (concert times, activities, sea outings) is specified by the organizer on the official website closer to the event.
Prices Vieilles Coques 2026
Practical information — Vieilles Coques
Practical Information
Location
Rear port of Concarneau, behind the Ville Close, 29900 Concarneau.
Dates
First weekend of July (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Prices
Free admission. Free boarding (subject to availability).
Access
Concarneau is 22 km from Quimper. Free parking on the outskirts of the Ville Close.
Contact
Association La Misaine - Mairie, 18 rue Charles de Gaulle, BP 14, 29940 La Forêt-Fouesnant. Tel: 06 17 10 58 02.
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Where does it take place — Vieilles Coques
Arrière-port de Concarneau
Arrière-port, Quai Carnot, 29900 Concarneau