“La Fête de la Coquille” (Scallop Festival) in Calvados
Every year, it returns to Calvados like a real star. We’re talking, of course, about the scallop. From October to December, the coasts of Calvados come alive to celebrate the region’s flagship product. This is our idea for a gastronomic weekend in Normandy.
The Normandy “Fête de la Coquille”
A true emblem of the region, the scallop is undoubtedly THE number 1 fish product in Normandy. The scallop season is highly regulated, running from 1 October to 15 May, and the minimum legal size is 11cm. Every year, hundreds of you come to spend your weekends in Calvados to unearth the rare pearl, wearing your boots and foulies. The scallop fascinates and, above all, delights your taste buds. The finest restaurateurs snatch them up every season.
Dates of the “Fête de la Coquille” in Calvados
The scallop is a very popular food, and many towns and villages have decided to celebrate it in style. With direct sales from the producer, concerts, exhibitions, local markets, peeling competitions, guided tours and a special opening of the Ouistreham lighthouse, there are plenty of events taking place across the department. Zoom in on the dates for 2023:
- 21 and 22 october at Ouistreham : head to the harbour for the not-to-be-missed “Fête de la Coquille”, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
- 11 and 12 november at Port-en-Bessin : “Le Goût du Large” is the event of the month in November near Bayeux.
- 18 and 19 november at Courseulles-sur-Mer : Every year, the town celebrates gastronomy with its traditional 2-day “Fête de la coquille, des produits de la mer et de la gastronomie”.
- 25 and 26 november at Grandcamp-Maisy : Come and meet the fishermen of Grandcamp-Maisy during the “Saint Jacques en Fête” festival.
- 2 and 3 december at Trouville-sur-Mer : Head to the Côte Fleurie at the end of the year to discover the port of Trouville for the annual “Coquilles et Saveurs” festival.
Our recipe ideas for scallops
Now that you’re fully aware of the regulations governing shellfishing and have been able to buy the best products on our territory, it’s time to get cooking! We’ve come up with a few recipe ideas that have whetted our appetites (and if you make the recipe yourself, please 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 kebabs: extend the summer with this recipe that will bring the sunshine back to your plate.
> https://cuisine.journaldesfemmes.fr/recette/332935-brochette-de-saint-jacques
Looking for somewhere to stay during the Shellfish Festival in Normandy?
Our Mirabel les Prairies de la Mer campsite is open during the Ouistreham Shellfish Festival. Our fully-equipped mobile homes are the perfect way to spend an October weekend in Normandy! Choose yours and come and enjoy our indoor heated swimming pool or sauna before or after the gourmet festivities.
