Scallop Festival in Calvados
Every year, the scallop returns to Calvados like a star. We're talking, of course, about the Coquille Saint Jacques. From October to December, the coasts of Calvados celebrate the region's flagship product. This is our vacation idea for a gastronomic weekend in Normandy.
The Normandy Scallop
A true emblem of the region, Scallops is unquestionably THE number 1 product in the fishing in Normandy. A highly regulated season open from 1er october to may 15 The minimum legal size is 11cm. Every year, hundreds of you come to spend your weekends in Calvados with your boots and raincoat. The scallop shell fascinates and, above all, delights your taste buds. Top restaurateurs snap it up every season.
Dates for the Fête de la Coquille in Calvados
The scallop is generating a lot of interest and many communes have decided to celebrate as it should be. Direct sales from the producer, concerts, exhibitions, local markets, peeling competitions, guided tours, exceptional opening of the Ouistreham lighthouse, ', of' many events are the rhythm of these festivities in the 4 corners of the department. Zoom in on the 2025 dates:
- October 18 and 19 in Ouistreham : Rendezvous at the port for the unmissable «Fête de la Coquille», which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
- October 24 to 26 in Villers-sur-Mer : is the 30th edition. Concerts, entertainment and fireworks await you!
- November 8 and 9 in Port-en-Bessin : «Le Goût du Large» & the «Musique sous les embruns» festival are on the program for November near Bayeux.
- November 22 and 23 at Courseulles-sur-Mer The town celebrates gastronomy every year with its traditional 2-day «Fête de la coquille, des produits de la mer et de la gastronomie».
- November 29 and 30 at Grandcamp-Maisy Saint Jacques en Fête: come and meet the fishermen of Grandcamp-Maisy.
- December 6 and 7 in Trouville-sur-Mer: Rendez-vous for the scallop market near Deauville.
Our recipe ideas for scallops
Now that you're fully familiar with scallop fishing and you've been able to buy the best products on our territory, it's time to get cooking! We've selected a few recipe ideas that inspired us (especially if you make the recipe, send us a photo 🙂 )
- Scallop cassolette au gratin A quick and easy recipe.
> https://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.fr/recette/319462-cassolette-de-saint-jacques-gratinees - Pan-fried scallops We're in Normandy, so here's a cider recipe for a 100% local meal!
> https://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.fr/recette/354022-noix-de-saint-jacques-sautees-au-cidre-et-aux-endives - Scallop skewers Summer: we're extending the summer with this recipe that will bring the sun back to your plate.
> https://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.fr/recette/332935-brochette-de-saint-jacques
Looking for a place to stay during the Shell Festival? in Normandy ?
Our Camping Mirabel les Prairies de la Mer is open during the Ouistreham Shellfish Festival. Our Mobile home rentals are perfect for an October weekend in Normandy! Choose yours and come and enjoy, before or after the gourmet festivities, the following our picovered scine and heated or sauna for lounging.
