Event: France

Blessing of the Sea

When:	4 May 2008 (annual)
Where:	Etretat
Costs:	Free
Opening Hours:	Mass 10.30am; blessing 12pm

The Bénédiction de la Mer (Blessing of the Sea) in the village of Etretat commemorates a medieval legend of fishermen caught in a terrible storm, which ceased only when a monk fell on his knees and prayed for the winds to stop.

With a population of just 1600, Etretat is dominated by the sea and its dramatic cliffs, the Falaise d'Amont and the Falaise d'Aval. This evocative festival, held each year on Ascension Thursday, includes a celebratory Mass, music, a fair and a blessing on the famous cliffs.