We’re all foodies in Normandy, so it’s no surprise our vast variety of food festivals are some of the best in France! Join us for mouth-watering regional cuisine, street food, artisanal produce, chef demos, tastings, live music and entertainment. Here are all our favourite food festivals taking place throughout the year.
Mortagne-au-Perche’s Black Pudding Festival – 14 to 16 March
This three-day food fest, which takes place in March, is a well established event in the Normandy calendar. Every spring for over 50 years, aficionados have been heading to Mortagne-au-Perche in the Orne département, aka the boudin ‘mecca’. Every year the festival highlights are the prizes for the best international black pudding and the person who is able to eat the most black pudding! As Mortagne-au-Perche is home to many a charcutier specialising in the fine art of boudin making, there is lots of yummy local produce to tuck into.
Festival of Normandy’s PDO-certified products in Cambremer – 3 and 4 May
As the starting point of the Cider Route, Cambremer hosts the ‘Festival des Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée de Normandie’ every spring. Cheese, cider, pommeau and calvados producers invite you to taste their yummy local products.
The massive Sainte-Croix Fair in Lessay – 12 to 14 September
A must-see! 400,000 visitors visit this huge fair every year. Cattle shows, local produce tastings and lots of entertainment await you at the Lessay Fair. There is also a large funfair.
Prawn Festival in Honfleur – 11 and 12 October
Prawns are one of the specialities of Honfleur’s fishing industry. The Honfleur Shrimp Festival offers a wide range of entertainment including sea shanties, a shucking competition and a gathering of old sailing ships.
Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême – 2 to 5 October
Since 1953, the ‘Mycologiades Internationales de Bellême’ have been inviting beginners and experienced mycologists alike to the heart of the Perche region to go mushrooming with a scientific guide. In addition to these excursions, conferences, competitions and exhibitions are organised throughout the weekend.
Apple and Cider Festival in Vimoutiers – 18 and 19 October
All things apple! During this festival you can discover the apple in all its forms thanks to a commercial, craft and industrial exhibition. There are also agricultural competitions and cider tastings. There will be a variety of activities for all ages, including a funfair.
The Fête du Ventre in Rouen – 11 and 12 October
For 2 days, 180 exhibitors will take over Rouen‘s historic city centre, around the Place du Vieux Marché. It’s a meeting place for culinary traditions and local products, with the active participation of Rouen’s chefs. Theatre and music groups, chefs and producers provide the entertainment. Rouen’s Fête du ventre attracts nearly 250,000 visitors each year.
Fête de l’Andouille in Vire – 31 October to 2 November
If you are a true fan of andouille, Normandy’s local smoked chitterling sausage, then head to Vire for the annual Fête de l’Andouille which is generally held at the end of October and is fun for all the family. Expect lots of cooking demos with local chefs, tastings and a special competition to find the person who makes the most realistic pig noise!
Le Goût du Large in Port-en-Bessin – 8 to 9 November
Port-en-Bessin is the first scallop fishing port in Calvados, and hosts a major two-day scallop and seafood festival every year in November. Tastings, guided tours, a nautical knotting workshop and other activities await.
Herring festivals in Seine-Maritime
Throughout November
Herring festival season in Normandy starts in the seaside town of Le Tréport before moving west along the Alabaster Coast to Dieppe, Saint-Valery-en-Caux and Fécamp. Enjoy stall upon stall of market sellers grilling fresh herrings and scallops, dubber the ‘king of fish’ in these parts, fishermen selling their wares on the quaysides, and live music as you eat. In Dieppe, the number one scallop port in France, you can also enjoy this specialty alongside herring at the city’s annual festival, which attracts over 100,000 people every year!
Scallop festivals
In October and November
In autumn, why not head to one of the scallop festivals taking place on the coast? Normandy is one of the best regions in France for scallops, and knows how to celebrate them in true style, with food, music and entertainment for all the family. Shell we dance?
A different way to discover Normandy
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
Bayeux
Oyster Farm Tasting Tour in Baie des Veys
Grandcamp-Maisy
Making our own Calvados at the Chateau du Breuil
Le Breuil-en-Auge
Thematics