The pirogue festival
A Californian atmosphere by the ocean, a Tahitian atmosphere by the lakes: the Aquitaine Eden is a change of scenery just a stone’s throw from home! In September, escape for a weekend to French Polynesia for the amazing Fête de la Pirogue (Canoe Festival) in Lacanau on Moutchic beach. Organised by the Médoc Va’a 33 club, this Polynesian sports festival is an invitation to push yourself to the limit and enjoy cultural enrichment. When the epicurean spirit of the Médoc meets va’a and ukulele…
See you on 27 and 28 June
The va’a, king of Pacific sports
The va’a – canoe in Tahitian – is the star of the water sports scene in the Pacific islands, and has been a big hit in Europe for some years now. In Médoc Atlantique in particular, where its values are in line with those of the region: respect for nature combined with the desire to surpass oneself in vast open spaces. The Médoc Va’a 33 club introduced the discipline to Carcans and then Lacanau 10 years ago, and takes part in major competitions in France and abroad. Every year, the Fête de la Pirogue is an opportunity to discover this traditional outrigger canoe of Polynesian origin, and to row in teams in good spirits on the blue waters of Lake of Lacanau.
The upcoming 2026 programme…
A real Tahitian pirogue competition on the Médoc lagoon
It’s a dry weekend on the beach at Le Moutchic! On the programme : a 10km race in a minivan (V1), a 15km race in a team of 6 (V6), a relay race in a single-seater and a corporate challenge.
Dancing, partying and Tahitian flavours : the richness of Polynesian culture in the spotlight
Polynesian culture in all its diversity is on show at the Fête de la Pirogue. Médoc Va’a 33 invites you to take part in an incredible Tahitian immersion, with a village of craftsmen offering stands selling textiles, pearls, fabrics, coconuts, ukuleles and traditional tattoos. There’s also a Tahitian catering area where you can mix the flavours of the Pacific with those of the Atlantic right in the middle of Moutchic.
The atmosphere is bound to be festive ! Dance events punctuate the whole weekend, with a grand finale show on Saturday evening. It’s all about sharing and conviviality : the Fête de la Pirogue builds a bridge between the traditions of the Médoc and Polynesia, united by their shared values.
Cultural and sporting immersion for all the family
The Polynesian village, set up on the Moutchic beach, is open free of charge on Saturday and Sunday from 11am. And for visitors who want to try out the va’a without necessarily daring to enter the competition, introductory courses in Polynesian canoeing are organised for young and old. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the king of the pirogue next year ?
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