Marseille fête la mer - Escale 4 -Vieux-Port
A festival celebrating Marseille’s unique place in the Mediterranean and bringing its distinctive maritime identity to life.
This event has ended. It belongs to an archived festival programme.
About this event
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Marseille fête la mer takes place along the Corniche and the entire Marseille coastline, with 8 stops and more than 40 free activities!
The goal? To give everyone in Marseille the chance to discover their coastline, the richness of their maritime heritage, its history and the many activities connected with the sea, while raising awareness of the need to protect it.
A major event for everyone and the whole family
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM STOP 4 - VIEUX-PORT - QUAI D'HONNEUR
► Theater boat “Des tempêtes se préparent”
Organizing organization: APRES and Compagnie OO
Theme: Culture and heritage Description: A 30-minute participatory show aboard the Kantren, an offshore sailing boat. Times: Sessions at 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm (duration: 30 min) Audience: Everyone, ages 7 and up Please note: You must board a sailing boat moored at the quay and go down into the cabin via a ladder. 10 people per session. Registration: Online: https://www.onparticipe.fr/b/f8D6y1Z3
► Rides in traditional boats and nautical parade
Organizing organization: Les Barquettes Marseillaises
Theme: Culture and heritage Description: In the morning, a tour of the Vieux-Port in a traditional barquette boat (about 20 minutes). In the afternoon, a parade of barquette boats along the Corniche. In case of bad weather, boat trips will be extended at Quai d'Honneur from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Times: Boat trips from 10am to 11:40am (about 20 min each), parade in the afternoon Audience: Everyone, no minimum age (children must be accompanied by an adult) Accessible and inclusive: Yes (you must be mobile to board) Please note: Life jackets provided for children. 4 to 6 people per boat. Registration: At the Les Barquettes Marseillaises stand.
► Sailing trips with the Girolata association
Organizing organization: La Fresque Océane
Theme: Boating and underwater activities Description: Small-group trips at sea with the Girolata community sailing school, with an opportunity to discover Mediterranean biodiversity while sailing. Times: Departures at 10am, 1pm and 4pm (duration: 2h30), on the Criée side Audience: Everyone, ages 12 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult) Please note: Closed-toe shoes required. You must be able to board a sailing boat moored at the quay. 21 places per trip. Registration: At the stand on site, subject to availability.
► Stand and games about Mediterranean marine biodiversity
Organizing organization: La Fresque Océane
Theme: Biodiversity and the environment Description: A stand and games about Mediterranean ecosystems and their preservation. Times: Continuous, from 10am to 6pm Audience: Everyone Accessible and inclusive: Yes Registration: Open access.
► Boat pollution removal demonstration
Organizing organization: Marcelle & Nous
Theme: Culture and heritage Description: Live on the quay, capture of pollution from an actual boat and a demonstration of a kit that converts a combustion engine to an electric motor. A film presenting the initiative will be shown at the stand throughout the day. Times: Continuous, from 10am to 5pm Audience: Everyone Accessible and inclusive: Yes Registration: Open access.
► Sailing trips and onshore workshops
Organizing organization: Marseille Vue de la Mer
Theme: Boating and underwater activities Description: One-hour trips at sea aboard sailing boats run by associations, professionals or recreational sailors. Onshore activities: nautical knots, a heaving-line throwing contest, sea stories and plankton observation. Times: Departures every hour from 10am to 4pm (duration: 1h) Audience: Everyone, ages 6 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult) Please note: Wear sneakers or similar shoes. Registration: Pre-register on HelloAsso (https://www.helloasso.com/associations/marseille-vue-de-la-mer/evenements/pre-reservation-fete-de-la-mer-18-10-26) or on site.
► Guided tour “Around the Vieux-Port”
Organizing organization: Marseille Tourist and Convention Bureau
Theme: Culture and heritage Description: A walking tour exploring the city’s port history, along the quays and through the lanes of the Vieux-Port. Times: Departures at 10am and 2pm (duration: 2h) Audience: Everyone Accessible and inclusive: Yes (wheelchair accessible with assistance) Please note: Meet in front of the ferry-boat landing, quai du Port. Comfortable shoes recommended. Strollers and animals are not allowed (except assistance dogs). 30 places per tour. Registration: Registration required through the Tourist Office: https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/vivez-marseille-blog/le-blog-marseille-a-la-carte/fete-de-la-mer/
► Discover the collective sailing boat
Organizing organization: City of Marseille, Municipal Sailing Center
Theme: Boating and underwater activities Description: Trip aboard a collective sailing boat (Echo 90) Times: 2 departures at 10:15am and 10:30am / 1:15pm and 1:30pm / 2:45pm and 3:00pm / 4:15pm and 4:30pm (duration: 1h30) Audience: Everyone, ages 6 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult) Please note: 10 people per trip. Registration: On site at the information and registration point in front of City Hall, at least 30 minutes before departure.