Festival Opening
Arrive early for a good view of the opening ceremony and avoid crowds
~10:00
Houlgate Full Wind Festival
Houlgate Plein Vent
Houlgate, France
May 8 - 9, 2027Expected
Each spring, the Norman beach of Houlgate fills its skies with color for the Plein Vent kite and wind festival. Thousands of kites dance over the sand across a weekend of workshops and acrobatic displays, in a family-friendly celebration of wind and sea on the breezy shore of the Pays d'Auge.
Key moments
Day 1 · May 8
Acrobatic Kite Demonstration
Gather near the demonstration zone by 13:45 for best viewing
~14:00 - 16:00
Day 2 · May 9
Family Kite Challenge
Bring a kite or borrow one at the event to participate; lots of photo opportunities
~11:00 - 13:00
Where it happens
Plage d'Houlgate
Houlgate, France
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
No special cultural restrictions; follow standard festival safety and courtesy guidelines
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Spacious beach allows room to spread out; busiest near main stage
Weather
Be prepared for wind, sun and possible light rain; spring temperatures vary
Transport
Regional TER train to Houlgate; local buses in summer
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Family-friendly event with local volunteer teams and police patrols
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Houlgate Full Wind Festival
Houlgate Plein Vent
Houlgate, France
Each spring, the Norman beach of Houlgate fills its skies with color for the Plein Vent kite and wind festival. Thousands of kites dance over the sand across a weekend of workshops and acrobatic displays, in a family-friendly celebration of wind and sea on the breezy shore of the Pays d'Auge.
Under the radarStill under the radar
May 8 - 9, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Houlgate’s exposed beach in the Pays d'Auge is ideal for wind sports. The festival has become a feature of regional culture, combining Normandy’s maritime heritage with international kite flying culture. The Belle Époque resort town provides a scenic backdrop reflecting the region’s leisure spirit.
Key moments to know
Day 1May 82 moments
Day 1May 8~10:00Expected
Festival Opening
Arrive early for a good view of the opening ceremony and avoid crowds
Day 1May 8~14:00 - 16:00Expected
Acrobatic Kite Demonstration
Gather near the demonstration zone by 13:45 for best viewing
Day 2May 9
Day 2May 9~11:00 - 13:00Expected
Family Kite Challenge
Bring a kite or borrow one at the event to participate; lots of photo opportunities
Day 3May 10
Day 3May 10~16:00Expected
Closing Ceremonial Flight
Stay until the end for the grand finale; find a spot on the sand well ahead of time
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
No special cultural restrictions; follow standard festival safety and courtesy guidelines
Essentials at a glance
Date window
May 8 - 9, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Houlgate
Norman coastal community (Houlgate)
Access
Deauville–Normandie Airport (DOL) · 10 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-80; Mid-range: €100-150; Luxury: €200+
Atmosphere
Playful family-friendly vibe with colorful kites and community enth...
Spacious beach allows room to spread out; busiest near ma...
Good for
Families, kite enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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