World Kite Championships, Berck-sur-Mer, France 2014
Every spring, Berck-sur-Mer on the Opal Coast of France hosts an international Kite Festival on its sandy beach. Every even numbered year – the festival hosts the World Kite Championships and teams of professional kite flyers from around the world arrive in the pretty seaside resort to pit their skills against each other.
Normally a sleepy and traditional seaside town, famous for its clear sea air, during the ten days of the annual kite festival up to 600,000 visitors arrive to be wowed by the sight of thousands of kites on the beach. There is also the contest of kite flying skill performed by the best in the world – they practice on the beach before the afternoon contest in an arena – it’s all free to watch.
The location is perfect – a windy beach, flat golden sand, plenty of little brasseries and cafés for sustenance – as well as lots of stalls selling street food . On a warm sunny day when the kites hang in an azure blue sky – it is a magical day out.
See the Berck-sur-Mer Kite Festival in pictures
Read our interview with a Kite flying Champion who says that the Berck-sur-Mer event is the “best in the world”
Video of the Berck-sur-Mer Kite Festival:
