Summer in Cœur de Nacre: Highlights You Can’t Miss.
From Courseulles-sur-Mer to Luc-sur-Mer, with charming Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer in between, the Côte de Nacre turns into a seaside playground each summer: fireworks that shimmer on the horizon, an Acadian festival unique in Europe, fragrant night markets, and sporty beach challenges.
Whether you’re a family looking for hands-on fun, a D-Day history buff, a runner chasing new PBs.
Non-exhaustive list, subject to change.
Why spend your summer on the Côte de Nacre?
- Three resorts, three vibes – a lively fishing port in Courseulles, Belle-Époque seafront in Saint-Aubin, shady pine groves in Luc.
- Fireworks over the sea – reflections dancing on the water, a true Normandy postcard.
- Acadian Week Festival – cultural bridge between Normandy and New Brunswick.
- Gourmet night markets – oysters straight from the bay, cider on tap, reinvented teurgoule rice pudding.
- Blue-green activities – paddleboarding at sunrise, sailing, cliff-top walks and cycle routes.
2025 at a glance: your key dates
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Jul | Tour de France | Colomby-Anguerny |
| 12 Jul – 31 Aug | Panoramic Ferris Wheel | Courseulles |
| 13 Jul | Fireworks & Street Party | Courseulles |
| 13 Jul | Torchlight Parade & Fireworks | Luc-sur-Mer |
| 23 Aug | Pierre à Poissons (Fish-Grill Fest) | Saint-Aubin |
| 7 – 15 Aug | Acadian Week Festival | All three towns |
| 23 Aug | Harbour Party & Final Fireworks | Courseulles |
| Every Monday (Jul-Aug) from July 7 to August 25 | Night Markets & Sunset Concerts | Luc-sur-Mer |
Event focus
Tour de France stopover
Caen-Colomby-Anguerny
July, 9
Credit : Didier Bordas
The Tour de France individual time trial will pass through the countryside and the city of Caen, on July 9.
In detail : The start of the day will be in Caen, in front of the Tour Leroy.
The route then takes in the University, the Jardin des Plantes, the Colline aux Oiseaux and the Memorial.
Runners will then pass through Saint-Contest, Cambes-en-plaine, Colomby-Anguerny, Thaon, Cairon, Rosel and Gruchy.
The finish is in Caen, Place Foch.
A fan zone will be set up in Colomby-Anguerny on 9 July to enjoy the Tour de France.
Pierre à Poissons: a century-old feast
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
August, 23
On 23 August volunteers grill mackerel and mussels over driftwood on Saint-Aubin’s seawall.
Folk music, sea air and communal tables – 100 % free, 100 % convivial.
Crédit : Charlotte Fleurial
Fireworks, night markets, summer concerts
From Courseulles-sur-Mer to Luc-sur-Mer, summer is best enjoyed outdoors: take in the fireworks from the Côte de Nacre beaches, then wander with the family through the night markets of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer and Luc-sur-Mer.
The next day, browse the summer flea markets, enjoy open-air concerts and round off the evening with a movie under the stars.
Check out the major events for summer 2025 from Courseulles-sur-Mer to Luc-sur-Mer :
Credit : Olivier Mercier
Ferris wheel at Courseulles-sur-Mer
Courseulles-sur-Mer, Place de Gaulle
July, 12 – August, 31
From 12 July to 31 August, soar 30 m high on the Esplanade Roger-Meunier for a 360° view over D-Day beaches, fishing harbour and breathtaking sunsets (tickets €6).
Bernières’ Festival
Bernières-sur-Mer
From July 11 to 14
Berniérais and the local associations invite you to celebrate the 14th of July.
On the program: children’s activities, manual workshops, games and challenges.
And don’t forget the fireworks display on the evening of July 14.
Games and Chivalry Festival
Château de Fontaine-Henry
From July 19 to 20
During this themed weekend, little knights will enjoy a wide range of activities:
sword fighting, equestrian jousting, small medieval market, medieval re-enactment…
The château also organizes storytelling tours, family investigations in the park, evening visits and many other events.
Aubin Festival
Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
July, 25 and 26
At this electro music festival, DJs take turns at the turntables to delight festival-goers.
The festival features young DJs from the Normandy region.
Festival la Semaine Acadienne (Acadian Week Festival)
Courseulles-sur-Mer
August 7 to 15 – 20th anniversary
Over the course of a week, some 50 family events, concerts, theme days and commemorations are organized to honor the Acadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.
Enjoy concerts by numerous artists from Canada.
Don’t miss the tintamarre parade on the Courseulles-sur-Mer seawall to close the festival.
Tintamarre parade :
Parade of decorated floats
Langrune-sur-Mer
August 15
The festive day begins with mass, followed by a procession from the church.
It continues with a costume parade and a parade of floats on trailers.
The festivities conclude with a picnic and concert.
Saoticot Art Festival
Langrune-sur-Mer
August 22, 23
Credit : Fabien Mahaut & Théo
Well-known to summer visitors and locals alike, this festival returns with a variety of musical experiences and shows of all kinds.
Street theater, circus and dance are on the bill, with maximum promotion of local art and priority given to artists from Normandy, in an eco-responsible spirit.
Concerts are also on the program.
Port and traditions festival
Courseulles-sur-Mer
August 23 and 24
Every year, Courseulles-sur-Mer pays tribute to sailors at this colorful, friendly and fun event.
On the program : sea concerts, craft and seafood market, procession and blessing of decorated boats…
Medieval festival
Douvres-la-Délivrande
September 13
Plunge into medieval times with a local market, costume parade and family entertainment throughout the afternoon.
In the evening, as night falls, a medieval show is put on.
Seafood festival
Courseulles-sur-Mer
November, 22 and 23
Credit : Loïc Durand
The seaside resort celebrates its star dish, the scallop, with a weekend of festivities and music.
To mark the occasion, a number of restaurants are offering menus featuring scallops.
Don’t miss the great scallop shucking competition, or the water rescue dog demonstration.
Highlights by audience
Families
- Fireworks (13 Jul, 23 Aug)
- Night markets with kids’ workshops
- Pierre à Poissons food fest
History buffs & EN/NL visitors
- Acadian Week: bilingual exhibits, remembrance concerts
- Year-round Juno Centre and bunker tours
Locals & food lovers
- Firefighter balls and folk fêtes
- Night markets featuring “Produit en Normandie” artisans
Athletes & thrill-seekers
- La Translutine run (12 Jul)
- Sunrise paddleboarding, Vélomaritime cycling
Plan your stay: practical tips
- Getting here – Caen → Courseulles 30 min via D79; summer BusVert line 101.
- Parking – free lots: Port (Courseulles), Town Hall (Luc); blue-zone 2 h discs (Saint-Aubin).
- Book ahead – July 14 to August 15 is peak: reserve lodging six months out.
- Budget – events free, meals €10-25, watersports €20-40 / h.
- Packing list – wind-breaker, blanket, cash & card, sun cream.
- Languages – tourist info in FR / EN / NL at the Cœur de Nacre Visitors Centre.
Quick FAQ
Top dates to save?
13 Jul (Courseulles & Luc), 5 Jul & 23 Aug (Pierre à Poissons), 7-15 Aug (Acadian Week), 23 Aug (final fireworks).
Are the fireworks free?
Yes – open access from the beach and promenades.
Car-free trip possible?
Absolutely: summer buses from Caen, bike paths, seasonal shuttles.
Reliable weather?
Normandy can be capricious; plan an indoor back-up (cinema, museums).
Whether you’re mesmerised by a sky ablaze, swaying to Acadian fiddle tunes, sharing grilled mackerel at a century-old feast or sprinting along the tide line at dusk, summer in Cœur de Nacre guarantees unforgettable memories.
Start pencilling in those key dates now, book your stay, and share your best moments with hashtag #Coeurdenacretourisme.
