Fecamp – Events – Herring Festival
Fecamp was, and probably still is, a large herring fishing city. Several herring smoking factories were located alongside the docks, but all have now disappeared. But to remember the days that tons of herrings were brought to the shores and smoked, once a year the city Fecamp hold a Herring Festival.
Called “Fête du Hareng” in French, the festival is usually held towards the last weekend of November.
Herring smoking during the Fecamp festival
During this weekend, many stalls offer smoked herrings to be eaten directly on the spot. Tables will have been set aside, and people squeeze in as much as they can in order to eat the freshly smoked herrings and drink a beer or two. The air is heavy with smoke and the smell of fresh herring.
All over the harbour area you will be hearing music being played. In the big tents or halls, there are music bands playing traditional French sailor music, and a large portion of Celtic music is played coming from the Celtic population of Bretagne (Brittany) that visit this popular festival.
Bagpipes played at the Fecamp Herring Festival
If you are around Normandy at the end of November, this is a special festival not to be missed. The 2016 event is on 25 and 27 November.
To find out the exact dates of the next festival click here (look for “Fete de Hareng” in November)
Related Posts
Fecamp is a small coastal city with an active fishing fleet. The fishing fleet is central to the city, since the fishing boats have been going to Newfoundland for over a century to fish for cod, and another large portion of the fleet fished for herring. The city used to…
For many people who like their liqueur cocktail drinks, Benedictine is no stranger. On its own, with brandy (called B&B) or used to spice up deserts (like crepes), Benedictine started its long life as a medicinal drink. The drink was conceived by Alexandre Le Grand in the 19th century, and…
Fecamp is a quaint small city, full of character. Although in dire need of some TLC, strolling around the sea and harbour side of the city can be very rewarding. Fecamp was once a main hub for commercial fishing, particularly for trawlers crossing the Atlantic to fish for cod in…
The ruins of the Fecamp castle show that once upon a time, it was impressive. Once belonging to the Dukes of Normandy, the castle was built in the 10th century. It is reckoned that Willian Longsword (son of the Viking King Rollo) lived here. Richard I and Richard II…
Transport Getting There Getting to Fecamp requires your own transportation. There is a railway station, but the majority of arrivals/departures is done via bus which can take a long time. There is an occasional train, but it only goes as far as Bréauté-Beuzeville, and from there you need to change…
