Traditional festivals folklore and fairs Picardy

Would you like to spend a weekend in the Middle Ages? The town of Laon invites you to take a delightful trip back in time to the heart of the medieval city. The setting of the upper town is obviously ideal for this journey back in time. The numerous free events are sure to keep the public on their toes. Children love to try their hand at archery, watch the knights or play traditional Picardy games. The street shows and medieval market are a big hit with everyone. A recommended family outing.

Winter sports in Lille take place at the Gare Saint-Sauveur. Games and activities await you. You'll have a great time with family and friends. The famous 700^m2 skating rink is the main attraction (the only paying activity), but you'll love the other attractions too: toboggan runs, a ski and snowboard simulator... and other activities for all ages. Many shows and events are free of charge. During the day and at night, you won't be able to get away from this atmosphere worthy of a real ski resort.

Organised in honour of the sea and sailors, the Fête de la Mer at Le Crotoy is an event not to be missed. Magnificent in traditional costumes, the sailors parade with the musicians of the local harmony and the giants of Berck, Flip and Zabeth. Follow them, hoping that there are enough free places on the boats to participate in the blessing of the sea. The Marseillaise resounds during the stopover near the monument dedicated to the sailors who disappeared in the changing waters of the English Channel. A market of regional products and various festivities also take place during this weekend, such as jousting in the hunting basin and outings at sea.

It's not a joke and it's even a very serious and very expensive championship to our Leffrinckouckois. More than ever proud of their fishing village, there are more than a hundred each year to break up the country's small grey shrimp more quickly than their shadow to be sacred champions of the world. An event worthy of the user's friendliness. Who will beat the title of the title, Nicole Vanzinghel, who can break up 134 grams of shrimp in 10 minutes?

Since 1962, on the first weekend of September, the town of Aire-sur-la-Lys celebrates its culinary speciality: andouille sausages. Lots of entertainment in town, lots of people and a euphoric atmosphere! Concerts punctuate the evenings since the creation of the festival. Big names in French-speaking music have taken part, such as Michel Sardou, Johnny Hallyday or more recently Arcadian. But the event not to be missed is the release of charcuterie from the bailiwick by the mayor and his guests: a crazy local tradition, to be recommended!

A local event, the Holiday festival has truly become an institution. Since 1933, band music has appeared on the streets. On Saturday evening, a parade of illuminated tanks is accompanied by musicians. On Sunday afternoon, flowering tanks are accompanied by music companies. The atmosphere is always euphoric. And the air is filled with pleasant scents. Every new edition, its theme.

The legend speaks of a lord who wanted to divert the river from the village. The people would then have kicked the impudent with great coups. The Seringueux is a truly separate world. 800 carnavaleux, in boots and waxed, armed with block-loaded syringes (2 litres of water and more) pour their anger against the imprudent that would not be masked! Aquatic battles are striking the festivities. The Giants are out. Curious, and therefore totally fascinating. Provide an umbrella or imperméable, and good courage!

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme has a rich history as a fishing port, so it is only natural that it celebrates the sea every summer. On the occasion of this festival, the very typical fishermen's quarter (the Courtgain) is transformed to pay homage to the missing sailors. The facades of the houses are then covered with 2,000 m of nets and multicoloured flowers. All kinds of events (exhibitions, concerts, procession and sheafing at sea, etc.) also await visitors. A local festival not to be missed!