The Courseulles-sur-Mer Sea Festival: a blend of emotion and tradition

Courseulles-sur-Mer celebrates the sea during two weekends of family-friendly maritime festivities.

Each summer, Courseulles-sur-Mer Sea Festival brings together locals and visitors for a major maritime celebration filled with traditions, tributes to sailors, and a warm festive spirit. From moving ceremonies to lively port activities and family-friendly entertainment, this unmissable event in Courseulles-sur-Mer highlights both local history and the vibrant atmosphere of Normandy.

In Courseulles-sur-Mer, the sea is much more than just a backdrop: it is a story of heart, fishing, memories, and celebrations!

This summer, the seaside resort of Côte de Nacre is paying tribute to its maritime traditions with two highlights: August 10, 2025, to honor those lost at sea, and August 23-24, 2025, for the grand celebration of the port and traditions.

photo credits : Coraline et Léo

📅 Highlights not to be missed

Tribute to those lost at sea

August 10, 2025

Make way for emotion with the tribute to those lost at sea: a dignified ceremony, ideal for instilling in young people a love of the sea and respect for those who brave it.

Solemn ceremony in memory of lost sailors
Wreath laying and minute of silence
Blessing of boats and departure of decorated boats
Attended by families, maritime institutions, ceremony at the port

Port and Traditions Festival

August 23 and 24, 2025

It’s a huge public festival featuring concerts, demonstrations of old maritime trades, tastings of local products, nautical activities, and more.

The program combines children’s laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and traditions of yesteryear.

Stands & various activities: workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities.
Presentation of old sailing ships and nautical baptisms.
Commissioning of the new SNSM lifeboat.
Concerts, including Breton music.
Traditional boat trips
Themed exhibitions on maritime heritage
9 p.m. DJ evening
10:30 p.m. fireworks display, launched from the beach or the seawall

Courseulles-sur-Mer, a family resort that lives to the rhythm of its fishing port

Did you know that you can buy fresh fish straight from the trawler every morning of the year at the port of Courseulles-sur-Mer?

Meet at the fish market, Quai des Alliés.

Discover other festive, sporting, and cultural events in Courseulles-sur-Mer to enjoy with your family, partner, or grandchildren:

As a bonus? The charm of a family-friendly seaside resort full of surprises!

Why visit Courseulles-sur-Mer in August?

For families with children: a real life-size playground

Imagine a picture-perfect setting, where your children build sandcastles while you enjoy local oysters.

Add to that musical entertainment, pony rides, a harbor festival, tours of the rescue boat, children’s workshops, and even a boat blessing.

Yes, all this is in Courseulles-sur-Mer, during the tribute to those lost at sea and the port and traditions festival!

Photo credit : Vincent Rustuel

For couples: romance, tradition, and seafood

Courseulles-sur-Mer is a little corner of Normandy that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy!

During the two events in August, the city takes on the air of a seaside village, with a warm and festive atmosphere.

Strolling hand in hand along the fishing port, raising a glass at sunset, dining on a terrace after a concert of sea shanties… Yes, it’s a bit cliché, but you have to admit it’s tempting!

The port festival and traditional events also offer a journey back in time: old sailing ships, demonstrations of seamanship, traditional music, and more.

An opportunity to (re)discover a living maritime heritage in a simple and authentic setting.

And for food lovers? Sample the catch of the day, visit the fish market stalls, and indulge in a seafood platter on the terrace as you watch the sun set.

👉 Tip: The seaside resort of Courseulles-sur-Mer is small and compact. Everything is accessible on foot or by bike, so there’s no need for a car!

For grandparents: memories to pass on, grandchildren to delight

fishing port and fish market in Courseulles-sur-Mer

Are you babysitting this summer?

Now is the perfect time to introduce them to the sea… the real sea. The one that smells of salt, the one that tells stories…

And in Courseulles-sur-Mer, everything comes together for a flawless stay.

On August 10, the tribute to lost sailors is a solemn, powerful, and moving moment. Accompanied by songs, flowers, and decorated boats, it conveys values of respect and remembrance.

On the weekend of August 23-24, it’s time for joyful sharing: fishing demonstrations, traditional music, children’s workshops, and more.

Bonus: there are numerous accommodations in Courseulles-sur-Mer with all amenities nearby (shops, beach, entertainment).

Courseulles-sur-Mer: the Normandy destination where traditions take center stage

Located between Caen and Bayeux, Courseulles-sur-Mer celebrates its port and fishing-related trades.

The port and traditions festival is not just a tourist event: it is a gathering of heart, emotion, and sharing.

Cœur de Nacre is the perfect destination for those who want to reconnect with what matters most, whether with family, as a couple, or with grandchildren.

A place where you can take your time, watching the comings and goings of sailboats and trawlers from the wooden pier.

So, shall we set the dates? Shall we book our stay?

And above all… get your raincoat, camera, and good mood ready: the Port and Traditions Festival (formerly known as the Sea Festival) in Courseulles-sur-Mer is much more than just an event, it’s a promise of unforgettable memories!

FAQ – Everything you need to know about the port festival and traditions in Courseulles-sur-Mer

🔹 What is the new name of the Fête de la Mer in Courseulles-sur-Mer?

Since 2024, the traditional Fête de la Mer (Sea Festival) has changed format. It now consists of two highlights: a ceremony paying tribute to sailors on August 10, and a big festive weekend on August 23 and 24.

🔹 When will the festivities around the port of Courseulles-sur-Mer in Normandy take place in 2025?

August 10: ceremony honoring those lost at sea, a solemn and emotional occasion (contact us for more details)

August 23 and 24: the heart of the festivities, with entertainment, concerts, stands, boats, maritime traditions, and gourmet discoveries:

🔹 Where are the festivities taking place in Courseulles-sur-Mer?

Most of the activities take place at the marina and fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer and its surroundings, as well as on the beach and in the town center of the seaside resort. Everything is accessible on foot, by stroller, or by bike.

🔹 Are the events free?

Yes, most events, concerts, and shows are free. Some activities (boat trips, special tastings, workshops) may require payment or registration.

🔹 Is the Port Festival suitable for children?

Absolutely! Family activities are planned throughout the weekend: creative workshops, traditional games, educational stands, boat tours… Your children won’t want to leave!

🔹 Can we bring a stroller or someone with reduced mobility?

Yes, the site is flat, accessible, and equipped for everyone. Parking spaces for people with reduced mobility and rest areas are provided.

🔹 What are the best places to stay in Courseulles-sur-Mer during the festival?

The tourist office has a list of various accommodations for families, couples, and grandparents during the event. Book early to take advantage of the best rates for camping, hotels, or seasonal rentals.

🔹 How to get to Courseulles-sur-Mer?

Courseulles-sur-Mer is located on the Côte de Nacre, about 25 minutes from Caen. It is easily accessible by car, bus (Nomad network), or even by bike via the Vélomaritime cycle route.

More info

🔹 Is there a restaurant on site?

Yes! With stands selling local products, crepes, oysters, grilled fish, food trucks, and seaside restaurants, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss the traditional seafood platter available in many restaurants.

🔹 Where can you park a motorhome during the Sea Festival in Courseulles-sur-Mer?

Two parking areas are available. In addition, the municipality is exceptionally opening a few dedicated spaces.

Please feel free to contact our tourist office in Courseulles-sur-Mer.

Motorhome park Avenue de la Combattante

COURSEULLES-SUR-MER

Communal motorhome parking area on Avenue de la Combattante. 22 pitches. Tables, satellite dishes and wedges may not be removed. […]

Motorhome Parking – Parc de l’Edit