Fête de la barquette 2026

Fête de la Barquette 2026, a tribute to the emblematic boats of Marseille’s harbor: the Marseille barquettes, used for small-scale fishing or family pleasure boating in Marseille’s harbor. Once a year, during the Heritage Days, this event organized by the MACT nautical society in Marseille’s Old Port showcases the Marseille Barquettes and their owners, who passionately maintain their vessels. A passion that comes at the cost of the time and financial investment required to maintain and preserve the boats. The Marseille Barquette is emblematic of our ports and has always been used for small-scale fishing or family leisure activities. Many boatbuilders made these small boats, between 5 and 9 meters long. Boatbuilders from Naples modified the construction technique and popularized these craft. The construction technique uses a template, jealously guarded as a secret by each boatbuilder. These craft are pointed at both the bow and stern, making them adapted to the waves of the Mediterranean; hence the term pointu, used only in the Var. Everywhere else in the Mediterranean, the original names remain: barquette, barque, mourre de pouar, bette, tartane, gourse, catalane… to mention only the French coasts. Another distinctive feature is an appendage at the front, projecting above the stem, called a Capian and topped with two colored cheeks. Although it has been given a phallic interpretation, this appendage is very useful for getting on and off the boat, as well as for attaching an anchor or mooring lines. Formerly propelled only by oar or sail, these boats were motorized, making the rigging disappear and freeing them from certain weather-related hazards. Today, enthusiasts are putting sails back on their boats and once again experiencing the magical moment when the engine is switched off and only the sounds of wind and sea disturb the silence. The most traditional rigs are lateen, but there are also gaff, lug, spritsail and lugsail rigs. Today’s owners, from every level of society, still use them either for fishing or family outings. The Fête de la Barquette offers a chance to see these barquettes and talk with their owners. In a friendly atmosphere, the boats will sail in Marseille’s harbor or remain docked while enjoying Provençal folk entertainment. Exhibitions will also be held along the quays. The most convivial moment will undoubtedly be the immediate boarding of members of the public—a moment of sharing and exchange, visiting the Old Port and enjoying the sea view. For the general public and “immediate boarding,” no registration is required. Public program: Saturday 10 a.m. opening of the exhibitions 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. immediate boarding (the public arrives on site; no reservation) Sunday 10 a.m. opening of the exhibitions 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. immediate boarding (the public arrives on site; no reservation)