Events in Boulogne Sur Mer | Travel Guide

It is not the man who takes the sea, it is the sea that takes the man... Tatatin! Between maritime festivities and musical festivals, the destination offers you an array of events!

La fête de la Gainée - Boulogne Sur Mer

In a gigantic 10-metre-long cauldron, a ton of fresh fish, a ton of vegetables, 400 kilos of fresh cream and 400 litres of white wine are simmered in a good mood and to the rhythm of the sailors' songs. During a weekend 6000 people rush to taste the famous sheathing.

The Mid-Summer Festival

In the sublime setting of Hardelot Castle and its Elizabethan Theatre, the MidSummer Festival celebrates the Franco-British relationship every year with amazing events tinged with baroque music. For a fortnight, concerts but also theatre, dance and opera set this majestic site ablaze.

Sea Festival - Boulogne

This event, which is held every 2 years in mid-July and during which the Opal Coast celebrates the sea in Boulogne-sur-Mer, has become a must. For 4 days, the sea and the maritime world are in the spotlight with the programme: a gathering of tall ships and traditional boats, sea trips aboard heritage sailing ships, ships open to visitors, nautical parades, a village of maritime know-how and traditions, a sea market, songs & dances, seafood tastings, exhibitions and numerous activities for young and old. Several tens of thousands of people, amateurs, enthusiasts or professionals gather every day to come and discover or rediscover the sea in all its aspects.

Fête de la Moule - Le Portel, Equihen-Plage, Wimereux

In mid-July, the mussel is the star of Wimereux. Thousands of gourmets come to taste the traditional mussels and chips prepared by the Amicale des Municipaux de la Ville and in the many restaurants and brasseries in the town centre, with the added bonus of numerous events in Place Albert 1er and a parade on Sunday afternoon. Mussels are also celebrated in Le Portel and Equihen-Plage, where one of the largest deposits on the Opal Coast is located. It takes place in July. On one afternoon, volunteers prepare the molluscs that they offer for sale in the evening. After the tasting, time for entertainment!
 

Festival of the Opal Coast - all over the Boulonnais area

Delightfully eclectic, the Opal Coast Festival brings every year in July beautiful musical emotions with dozens of concerts in the most beautiful venues of the area, from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Hardelot, via Le Portel or Outreau. Exploring French songs in all its diversity, the Opal Coast Festival mixes renowned artists who are in the music news of the moment with local and regional talents. A rendez-vous that appeals to all generations (Stephan Eicher, Louane, Bigflo and Oli and so many others...).

The Hardelot festival

To make classical music known and appreciated, to show that music grows the individual... This is what the Hardelot Festival is all about. On the programme: a fine series of concerts in July combining classical and jazz music in the station's emblematic venues. The concerts are intended to be exceptional in terms of quality and rarity. Artists of international renown perform the greatest composers (Mozart, Bach, Schubert, Ravel, Purcell, Wagner/Liszt...).

Welsh Festival - Le Portel

Kipper Festival - Equihen-Plage

In August, Equihen-Plage celebrates the kipper, the flagship product of the Boulonnais region. A kipper is none other than a herring, split in two from head to tail, rid of its bones, salted and smoked. During this joyful celebration, there will be tastings, entertainment and beautiful moments of sharing!

The fairy tale of water - Hardelot

Festival du Poulpaphone - Outreau

A festival of eclectic and cutting edge contemporary music, the Poulpaphone is the musical event of the new season in the Boulogne region. Rock, electro, hip-hop, doom metal, pop... Whatever the style, as long as it's creative! On the Garromanche site in Outreau, two stages play in parallel over two days to allow all the local, regional and internationally renowned artists to express themselves.

The Butter Festival - Boulogne sur Mer

It is to the people of Boulogne what the carnival is to the people of Dunkirk: a not-to-be-missed rendez-vous to pay tribute to those who have shaped the city. In September and for two days, plunge into the fascinating world of fishermen. Sea songs, entertainment, tastings... The ideal opportunity to discover the typical district of the Boulogne sailors.

Opale Harley Days - Hardelot

Festimone

Herring Festival - Boulogne

For a long time it made the wealth of the first French fishing port. Impossible not to celebrate it in Boulogne-sur-Mer! The Herring Festival takes place every year in November. The association Pêche Animation offers tastings as well as a whole program of animations and musical shows. Meet on the quays for a real moment of discovery and conviviality.

Tendance Jazz Festival

A little detour to Tendances Jazz and you'll understand what he was getting at! In November, this great jazz festival sets the Boulogne coast ablaze with some very nice events. On the program: concerts, meetings and master classes around jazz and blues with beautiful regional, national and even international headliners.

Intramurock

Since 1991, the Intramurock association has been promoting contemporary music and encouraging artistic practice in all its forms on the Opal Coast, and more precisely in the Boulongne area. Every year in November, it invites us to La Faïencerie in Boulogne-sur-Mer, during its big festival, to discover the best of the local, national and international scene for a weekend.

St. Nicholas Parade

Christmas Markets