Les Vareuses Porteloises

Created in 2001 by Pierre Gournay, André Justin, and a dozen friends, the vocal group “Les Vareuses Porteloises” is a French choir specialised in marine singing and songs of the sea.

We named it “Les Vareuses Porteloises” in tribute to our Portelois sailors who, for decades, wore this outfit, a short canvas blouse that is a true symbol of the local fishing sector. 

The group is made up of about twenty members (singers and musicians), all amateurs and volunteers, former sailors or descendants of sailors. We mainly produce in the Boulogne/Mer region, but also outside the department, such as during sea festivals in Paimpol or Douarnenez.

Our goal is to share our passion and interest in these songs that seafarers hummed, either onboard boats, on land, or at family gatherings.

A great rigour in the work, a constant concern for vocal quality, a great conviviality and a foolproof energy have allowed the vocal ensemble “Les Vareuses Porteloises” to make itself known and appreciated at many concerts.