Between March 22-23, the festival will make its way to Villard-de-Lans, a town nestled in the French Alps, promising an itinerary of feasting and festivities. Bringing the salty air to the mountains, the town will be transformed into a seafood lover’s heaven with 40 tonnes of fresh scallops arriving directly from the famous Bay of Saint-Brieuc in Brittany. Local restaurants and food stalls will open their doors and serve up these exquisite seafood delicacies. From grilled scallops to creamy seafood sauces each dish will showcase the creativity of Villard-de-Lans’ top chefs.  

Beyond the gastronomic offerings, the festivals across France bring Brittany’s nautical culture to life with an electric mix of Breton folk groups, jazz performances and street bands, especially at the lively Paris scallop festival each January. On Saturday evening in Villard-de-Lans, the excitement peaks with a Fest Noz, a traditional Breton dance accompanied by a talented orchestra, guaranteeing an unforgettable night of music and revelry. 

Since 1970, scallop fishing in Brittany has been regulated to protect the marine environment and the livelihoods of local fishermen. In 2022, Saint-Brieuc Bay earned a Marine Stewardship Council certification, becoming France’s first sustainable scallop fishery, making this not only a celebration of flavour but also of responsible food production. 

Towns and cities across the country embrace this tradition, from Paris in January to numerous villages in Brittany and Normandy at the end of the season in April. 

For those looking to experience the festival in style, book to stay with ASMALLWORLD Collection, where you will receive VIP benefits such as room upgrades, hotel credit and more at no extra cost. We recommend staying at the InterContinental in Lyon, a day trip away from Villard-de-Lans or Hotel de Crillion in Paris, a luxurious base to unwind following a day of gastronomy.