The International Kite and Wind Festival at Châtelaillon-Plage (17)

Imagine more than 800 kites in the sky over the 3 days of the Easter weekend. An enchanted journey taking place on 30, 31 March and 1 April. As the premier outdoor event for the seaside resort of Châtelaillon-Plage, the La Rochelle Agglomeration and the Charente-Maritime region, the International Kite and Wind Festival has been a key feature of the start of the New Aquitaine tourist season for several years now!

The Festival du Cerf-Volant et du Vent à Châtelaillon-Plage is an annual event held on the French Atlantic coast, usually in spring. The festival celebrates the art and passion of kite flying, as well as the beauty and power of the wind. It attracts participants and spectators of all ages, from kite enthusiasts to professionals.

 

© Antoine Piel Prod

An unforgettable show

The great beach of Châtelaillon will be the setting for an unforgettable show featuring sportsmen and women from the 4 corners of Europe and sometimes even further afield. During the festival, you can expect to see a wide variety of kites, from the simplest to the most complex, creative and surprisingly varied: flying fish, octopuses, manta rays, dragons, giant whales and unique creations will take to the skies. Flying demonstrations, competitions, kite-making workshops and other activities are often organised to allow participants to get involved and discover this fascinating universe.

During the festival, the kite flyers, champions of France, Europe and the world, perform synchronised figures and sensational choreographies, offering a mesmerising show and an exceptional programme to the public.

The event is also an opportunity to discover other sports with top sportsmen and women, such as kitesurfing, kite jumping, powerkiting, wingfoil and kite float. Between demonstrations and initiations, the public, whatever their age, can enjoy the best performances and advice from the pros.

© Papinou

An unmissable event

The event is also an opportunity for families and friends to get together, enjoy the coastline and take part in the cultural and artistic activities that often accompany the festival. It's a joyous and colourful occasion that showcases creativity, ingenuity and community. This year, children (aged 5 and over) will have pride of place in the Festi'kids area, where they can decorate their own kites, fly them and create recycled objects... As well as kite exhibitions, the festival often features open-air shows, concerts, food stalls with local specialities, and sports and recreational activities linked to the theme of wind. For the enjoyment of children and adults alike, candy drops will take place at 3pm and 5pm throughout the 3 days, as well as the inevitable egg hunt on 31 March starting at 10am in the Wind Show area.

© Papinou

A green festival

The Festival has been organised by the Town of Châtelaillon-Plage since 2009. It is mobilising all its services and all its skills for an event that is 100% "made in Châtel", with almost 150 volunteers working to ensure everyone's comfort and safety.

What's more, the teams embarked on a new challenge 2 years ago with the eco-labelling of the festival, by adhering to the REEVE label. The aim of this sustainable development initiative is to reduce the festival's environmental, economic and social impact.

What's more, the festival will give you the chance to discover new ways of getting around: electric bikes, scooters and much more, and to explore ways of getting around while using clean energy, taking up a great challenge for the years to come.

 

© Papinou

 

© Antoine Piel Prod

Where to stay?

The Airotel Village Corsaire des 2 Plages campsite **** opens its doors on 29 March, offering a wide range of prices to suit all budgets, as well as a wide choice of accommodation, including mobile homes, unusual accommodation and pitches.