Saint Peter's Day

Saint Peter, apostle and first disciple of Jesus, is a biblical icon and, above all, the patron saint of fishermen. A former sailor himself, he is often depicted with nets and keys, symbolizing his role as guardian of paradise. In Christian tradition, St. Peter is the defender of seafarers, invoked to keep fishermen and sailors safe from the dangers of the deep blue sea.

Sanary-sur-Mer, with its rich maritime past and its ever-present desire to perpetuate local production, has long chosen Saint Peter as its patron saint. This is why the festival celebrated in his honor is an opportunity to pay tribute to him through religious ceremonies and processions. This tradition, firmly rooted in our Mediterranean identity, is a reminder of the importance of the sea in Provençal culture and the strong bond that unites all coastal dwellers with their sacred patron saint.

This traditional event usually takes place over several days, and combines religious ceremonies and festive entertainment with joy and solemnity. The program usually begins with a mass in honor of St. Peter, followed bya colorful and moving procession to the town's harbor. Residents, dressed in folk costumes, accompany the statue of St. Peter along the quayside, in memory of lost sailors and fishermen.

The highlight of the festivities is undoubtedly the blessing of the ships, which remains a much-anticipated event, especially for onlookers who come to admire the festivities. The boats and "pointus", typical Provencal boats, are adorned with flowers and ribbons, and parade along the water in a magnificent display. The grace given by the priest brings protection and prosperity to the sailors for the coming year. A unique moment of sharing in the rhythm of Provence, at the heart of our maritime traditions.

• In a nutshell: traditional celebration of the patron saint of the sea, Saint Peter.
• Dates: late June or early July.
• Location: port and town center of Sanary-sur-mer.
• Program: high mass at Saint-Nazaire church, procession and blessing of fishing boats.
• Directions: Sanary-sur-mer is located on the Mediterranean coast, about ten minutes from Toulon and about an hour from Marseille. Click here to get the location on Google Maps.
• Parking: several parking lots are available in Sanary, the largest being the esplanade, just past the boulodrome.
• Contact: Sanary-sur-mer tourist office, 04 94 74 01 04 or info@sanary-tourisme.com.