Kites put on a show at the International Kite Festival of Berck-sur-Mer
When do the International Kite Festival take place?
The RICV take place in the spring. The 2025 edition will be held from April 12 to 21, 2025. This 38th edition is themed around America. And once again this year, thousands of kites with increasingly extravagant and original shapes will fly in the Berck sky. Professionals from around the world will walk on the sand of Berck-sur-Mer beach, facing the wind, to make their creations of sometimes enormous sizes take off.
What activities are offered?
Every year, this free event is undoubtedly the most significant one held in the Hauts-de-France region. Thousands of people come to Berck-sur-Mer to look up at a blue sky and admire this aerial ballet.
On the promenade, on the beach, or in the air, activities for the whole family are offered throughout the day to ensure a friendly moment.
While the event is popular and attracts crowds, it remains a world competition. No less than 20 nationalities come to defend their creations and techniques in hopes of winning the world champion title.
A jury observes demonstrations of complex and technical figures. A few minutes to accomplish true acrobatic feats. All of this, while being dependent on the weather conditions!
The activities offered
- free flight;
- musical ballets in duos, solos, or teams;
- giant kite flights;
- various events in the World Championship;
- champions' cup ceremony;
- ground activities for all ages (Jardin d’Éole, wish net, etc.);
- concerts;
- kite construction workshops;
- aerial photography exhibition;
- etc.
The complete program
When to see the world's largest kite?
In 2017, a giant ray with incredible dimensions paraded in the sky. Measuring 150 meters long and 75 meters wide, this original creation made it the longest kite in the world.
In 2018, a new challenge of massive proportions: the equivalent of a football field flew off the beach of Berck! A monster 48 meters long and 27 meters wide, which proved difficult for the creators due to the unfavorable weather conditions that day.
In 2022, the giant kite was in the colors of Guatemala!
Why is this festival held in Berck-sur-Mer?
The festival attracts thousands of spectators and dozens of international participants thanks to the beauty of its landscapes, the favorable wind, and the enthusiasm for this spectacular art. The vast beaches of Berck provide an ideal space for this event, which combines artistic performances, competitions, and workshops, and helps promote the city internationally.
It is a true moment of sharing, wonder, and conviviality for both young and old.
How to get to the Berck-sur-Mer International Kite Festival?
- en voiture : autoroute A16, sortie 25 (Berck-sur-Mer) ;
- en train (ligne Paris Nord – Calais) : la gare de Rang-du-Fliers se situe à 7 km (la ligne 2 de bus assure la liaison jusqu’à Berck).
Where to park during the festival?
This event attracts thousands of people! The city of Berck offers nearly 2,200 spaces across free parking lots.
Free Parking
- Rue du 11 novembre (50 spaces);
- Place de l’entonnoir (100 spaces);
- Parc des sports (300 spaces);
- Place de l’Entonnoir (100 spaces);
- Parking Sylvia, Avenue Quettier (250 spaces);
- etc.
Parking with Electric Car Charging Stations
- Îlot de la vague (near the town hall): 100 spaces with 2 charging stations
- Place du 18 juin: 220 spaces with 2 charging stations
Many streets are subject to regulations (blue zone, alternate parking, etc.).
Two paid parking lots reserved for motorhomes are available, offering around 500 spaces.
If you don’t want to waste a lot of time searching for parking, feel free to book an accommodation that provides parking solutions, so you can then walk to the beachfront!
Where to stay during the Berck-sur-Mer festival?
The seaside resort offers many accommodation options. From luxury hotels to guest rooms, find the best addresses based on your budget to rest your feet after beautiful, long walks on the beach!
Discover our booking ideas for a weekend:
- between 50 € and 100 € per night;
- between 100 € and 200 € per night;
- over 200 € per night.
A historic meeting
It was in 1987 that a weekend dedicated to kites was organized for the first time.
This first edition celebrated the centenary of a brilliant idea: a century earlier, Arthur Batut, a pioneering aerial photographer, used a kite to take aerial photographs, even though the airplane had not yet been invented.
In August 1890, Emile Wenz, an aerial photographer, improved the process and provided Berck-sur-Mer with its first aerial photographs on glass plates. Many aerial photographers gathered every year to commemorate this invention. In 1987, the mayor of Berck-sur-Mer authorized the centenary celebration.
This celebration continues every spring and attracts more and more visitors. Going from a weekend event to a ten-day celebration, the International Kite Festival of Berck-sur-Mer is now a true tourist and sporting event, attracting nearly 500,000 visitors every year.
What to do around Berck-sur-Mer during your weekend?
You didn’t choose this destination by chance! You’re coming to Berck to enjoy the majestic kite display? But also perhaps to discover or rediscover this coastline with its exceptional heritage.
Ideally located between the Bay of Somme and the Caps Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez, Berck is 45 minutes from Le Touquet and less than an hour from the National Sea Centre Nausicaà. It’s the perfect moment to dive into the ocean for a few hours after keeping your eyes on the sky!
If you wish to explore the must-see sites in a day, check out here our one-day Opal Coast tour, specially designed to give you a breathtaking experience!
Have a bit more time, like a long weekend? Discover our three-day turnkey Opal Coast tour to enjoy everything this generous region has t