Menu

Customer area
Reservation
Plage au coucher du soleil avec des herbes.
Parc avec maisons et arbres verdoyants
Camping avec tente et voitures en arrière-plan.
Enfants jouant dans une piscine sous l'eau.
Deux enfants marchant vers la piscine.
Une fille souriante prend un selfie avec ses parents.
Une famille heureuse sur la plage sous le soleil.
Espace d'accueil avec brochures et décorations murales
Deux char à voile sur la plage au soleil.
Famille heureuse souriant sous un ciel bleu.
Famille heureuse marchant sur la plage au coucher du soleil
Bar avec décor printanier et boissons variées.
Groupe d'enfants joyeux souriant ensemble
Enfants dansent dans une salle colorée.
Deux enfants marchant vers la piscine.
Coucher de soleil sur un paysage aquatique serein.
Mobil-homes colorés dans un espace verdoyant.
Mobil-home avec terrasses en bois et fenêtres.
Chalet en bois avec terrasse ensoleillée.
Jardin verdoyant avec une caravane et une personne assise.
Intérieur moderne d'un appartement lumineux et accueillant
Allée d'un camping avec caravanes et verdure
Intérieur d'un mobile home avec cuisine et salle à manger.
Famille marchant dans l'eau au coucher du soleil.
Deux tours médiévales en pierre, chemin d'accès.
Plage avec voiliers et paysages marins apaisants.
Plage au coucher de soleil en France.

Fête de la Mer in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: traditions, boats and a unique atmosphere in the Baie de Somme

Every summer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme celebrates the sea and those who live it. It’s the Fête de la Mer et des Marins! A weekend rooted in maritime traditions, not to be missed during your camping holiday in the Baie de Somme. See you on August 9 and 10, 2025. The program includes celebrations, processions, concerts and family events.

Bateau de pêche voguant sur l'eau.

A living tradition in the heart of Courtgain

Every summer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme celebrates its strong link with the sea, with a blend of memory, sharing and popular fervor. In the Courtgain district, a former fishermen’s quarter and the epicenter of the Fête de la Mer de St-Valery, the narrow streets are decorated with garlands and gladioli. Richly decorated boats await their blessing in the harbor. The highlight of the event: the priest blesses each boat from the Charcot III, while wreaths of flowers are thrown into the sea in memory of lost sailors.

Fête de la Mer 2025 program

A weekend of maritime celebrations, living traditions and friendly entertainment in the Baie de Somme. Here’s the program!

Saturday, August 9th

  • 7pm: Mussels and French fries meal organized by the fire department
  • Followed by a DJ dance party, Place des Pilotes

Sunday, August 10

  • 11 a.m.: Mass at the Saint-Pierre chapel
  • 1pm: Boarding at the port for the blessing of the sea aboard the Charcot III
  • 12pm – 2pm: Catering on Place des Pilotes
  • 3:15pm: Procession from the Éphémère to the Courtgain
  • 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Concert on Place des Pilotes
  • Evening: sea ball

Program subject to change according to weather, tides or local organization.

Heritage and local traditions

The Fête de la Mer is part of the history of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a town marked by the passage of William the Conqueror in 1066 and Joan of Arc in 1430. The sailors’ chapel, built in 1878, houses ex-voto statues and a miraculous fountain. As for the Baie de Somme, it is an exceptional natural heritage, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, prized for its seal colonies and ever-changing landscapes.

“It’s one of the few times of the year when the whole village looks in the same direction: towards the sea.” – Le Courtgain resident.

Coming to the Festival

By car

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme can be reached via the D1 from Abbeville. Parking is available at the entrance to the town, notably around the port of Saint-Valery, but traffic may be limited during the event. It is advisable to arrive early to find a parking space.

By train

The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme (CFBS ) provides direct access to the town center and port of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme via a picturesque steam train. The station is just a few minutes’ walk from the historic district and port.

By bike

The town is served by a number of cycle paths that provide easy access to the Fête de la Mer from neighboring towns, notably along the Canal de la Somme. Secure bicycle parking is available near the port.

Parking

Public parking lots are available at the city entrances and in the immediate vicinity of the port. We recommend arriving early, as the city is very busy during the event.

where to sleep, book accommodation?

To make the most of the Fête de la Mer with your family, the Camping Le Walric is an excellent option. Located just a few minutes by car or bike from the port of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, our 4-star campsite in the Somme offers a calm, green and secure setting, ideal for children.

On site, you’ll find comfortable mobile homes, a heated swimming pool, a playground, sports fields and a convenient catering service for after-party meals. From the campsite, you can easily reach the town center and the Courtgain district to enjoy the party without any constraints. It’s the ideal way to combine a festive spirit with a nature holiday in the Baie de Somme.

Practical information

  • Access: Canal parking lot, CFBS tourist train
  • Children’s entertainment: Workshops, parades and festive decorations at Courtgain
  • Catering: Local produce stalls, mussels and French fries, food-trucks
  • Public: Residents, tourists, families, enthusiasts of maritime traditions

Would you like to take part? Mark August 9 and 10 in your diary and come and enjoy a weekend of tradition and sharing in the Baie de Somme. Further information on the Saint-Valery town hall website or at the tourist office.

Back to blog
Contact

345, route d'Eu 80230 Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Somme ~ Picardie / Hauts de France ~ France

+33 (0)3 22 26 81 97

access