This winter, a breeze of Brittany will be blowing through the capital, and more particularly around the Butte Montmartre, as the traditional (and much appreciated) scallop festival returns on January 25 and 26. Well-known to local residents, this small, iodine-scented event is well worth the climb up the 176 steps to Abbesses station! After several years of success, the new edition of this festive and gourmet event is already shaping up to be a memorable one!
A taste of Brittany in Montmartre
With 150,000 tonnes of this little underwater treasure consumed by the French every year (i.e. 4.85 kg per second), the scallop enjoys immense popularity. The festival dedicated to the scallop logically attracts a flock of Montmartre residents and gourmets from all walks of life to each of its events. A fine tribute to the culture of Brittany and, more particularly, of the Costarmoric region, the scallop festival is also a wonderful invitation to discover the craft and know-how of its artisans.
More concretely, the program for this joyous weekend includes a myriad of events and activities ready to punctuate neighborhood life for two days. On Saturday at 9 a.m., the event kicks off with the opening of the market on the square. Open for the duration of the event, you’ll be able to meet the members of the Erquy association, who’ll be selling fish and shellfish, with scallops at the top of the bill. But that’s not all: some twenty Breton exhibitors will also be on hand to give you a taste of their region’s savoir-faire. The stalls will feature cider, crêpes and kouign amann, to name but a few specialties.
In addition to the market’s main theme, take part in a number of free and paying tastings of the weekend’s star product. And all this fun will be enhanced by the performances of folk groups and their sea chanteys!
A great program for an even greater festival!
Fête de la coquille Saint-Jacques 2024 – January 25 and 26, 2025 – Place des Abbesses, 75018