A must-see event for the world's most beautiful ships, the Rouen Armada is also a major festive event that attracts millions of tourists every year. Concerts, grand parade, sailors' parade...: the program of the 2023 edition promises to be grandiose!
Rouen, a port city crossed by the Seine, has historically taken advantage of its advantageous geographical location. Indeed, thanks to its large seaport and river trade, it has been able to recover from the ordeals of the Hundred Years War and the Second World War. Today, the city of Rouen still strives to bring its quays to life by transforming them into a showcase for one of the largest maritime events in the world: the Armada.
Since 2008, the exhibition of sailing ships has been accompanied by free concerts, giving a new lease of life to this event launched in 1989 (and celebrating, at the time, the bicentenary of the French Revolution). During the previous editions, a large audience of music lovers was able to attend concerts by internationally renowned artists such as Iggy Pop or Asaf Avidan. For the 2023 edition, other famous headliners such as Black M, Tryo, The Avener or Petit Biscuit are expected from June 9 to 17.
Before admiring the ships on June 10, "Unidentified Floating Objects" will be visible from June 7 during the Great Pagaille, a tradition for the inhabitants of the region who will launch their rafts made from non-polluting and recyclable materials (this year's instruction). Without a thermal engine, these UFOs will have to float and navigate for a few minutes... without sinking!
On June 11, visitors will be able to attend the sailors' mass. Celebrated by the Archbishop of Rouen from the tall ship L'Atlantis, it is always a moving tribute to all the sailors who have died in the seas around the world. Other naval personnel highlighted during the Armada, the crews will parade on June 14 in front of more than 100,000 spectators and will represent, to the sounds of their bands, their respective countries.
Finally, on June 18, the Grand Parade will close this festive event with all the tall ships sailing down the Seine along 120 km of banks to the open sea. Please note that, apart from Rouen, the other villages along the Seine will also offer many activities. To prepare your program, visit the Armada website.
Have a nice trip!
Valérie from Comme des Français
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