La Côte d’Opale Fête la Mer

An essential meeting for lovers of the maritime world, La Côte d’Opale celebrates the sea brings together thousands of people in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France’s 1st fishing port and European centre for the processing and marketing of seafood.

For four days, from July 16 to 19 2026, the sea and the maritime world are in the spotlight. The docks come alive to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors who will have the happiness of experiencing outings at sea, visiting unique boats, discovering local traditions and maritime heritage without forgetting to visit the CAP show on SEA products and its many demonstrations and tastings. The festival will also include over 40 musical groups, performing at three locations.

Get ready to embark on four days of celebration!

Come and discover beautiful traditional sailing ships with the Etoile du Roy, the Etoile Molène and the Lola of Skagen for unforgettable sea trips. The Opal Coast celebrates the sea, it is also a dive in time on the Hydrograaf, a walk along coasts on the Opal Wind managed by Nausicaà or an original sea trip on the Sailink catamaran. For those who do not have sea legs go to the dock for exciting visits: a dive into the history of Magellan on the Nao Victoria, an exploration of the world of Imocas on “Reporters du large” by Fabrice Amadeo, the Navy on the Cormoran but also the world of fishing on a trawler, without forgetting a meeting with rescuers on the SNSM canoe.

The sea is revealed in all its richness and history in Boulogne-sur-Mer.