Just a few hundred kilometers from the ocean, the city of Houilles, located in the Yvelines, is once again hosting the festival Faites des vagues. This event aims to connect urban residents with this remarkable body of water that touches us all. From March 27 to 29, 2026, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn how to protect our ecosystem—especially via the Seine. Through various accessible activities, residents of Île-de-France can engage with the waterway that links them to the sea and consider how their actions influence its pollution levels.
Green'Houilles, the organization behind this festival, is a eco-social association founded in February 2016. Based in Houilles, its mission is to advocate for and carry out initiatives supporting the circular economy, responsible consumption, and sustainable, solidarity-based development in Houilles and the surrounding areas. This year’s theme focuses on marine forests—vital ecosystems home to a diverse range of plant and animal life—including mangroves, coral reefs, seaweeds, seagrass beds, and marshlands.
For this festival, many workshops are available on a pay-what-you-want basis to support the event, but don’t forget to register to secure your spot! You'll also need a free ticket to gain entry to the Houilles Dome. All weekend long, immerse yourself in the ocean with a special sensory experience—a journey designed to reconnect you with our underwater world!
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Kick off the festival with a special evening. Join us at 7 PM for the screening of the documentary "Mediterranean Planet" at the Houilles Dome, followed by a live video chat with marine biologist and underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta.
Discuss our eating habits and their impact on the oceans. Our insatiable appetite could be draining the seas—if we don’t change course.
Learn some drawing techniques and create your own ocean scene with Léa, an aquarelle illustrator.
A culinary workshop exploring the flavors of seaweed. Discover a new taste — leave with your own creation!
With art therapist Marylène, explore your breath and express your creativity through collage. Then, yoga instructor Isabelle will guide you through gentle postures for relaxation.
Ever wondered how to breathe underwater with a tank? How does it feel to be submerged and free to swim? Discover it at the municipal pool’s introductory scuba session with CNHC.
An engaging and interactive talk by ocean enthusiasts Tristan and Benjamin, covering algae, marine cultures, and sustainable innovations for the sea.
Experience an immersive reading performed by Laure and her partner in the Colibris room at Charles de Gaulle park.
Watch the documentary Deep Hope, followed by a live video chat with the Under the Pole scientific expedition team aboard their vessel in Antarctica.
Discover how seaweed can be used in pastries with chef Sarah Emtir from Ferrandi School. Be surprised by her recipe—take your cookies home!
An immersive workshop to embody a marine being, imagine its life, and share its strengths with humanity. Leave transformed!
Discover freshwater plankton—tiny animals and plants that inhabit rivers and lakes and form the foundation of aquatic life.
Learn drawing techniques and craft your own ocean with aquarelle illustrator Léa.
Watch the documentary highlighting Coral Guardians’ work and free diving with AIDA and Co Existence associations.
Watch the documentary The Coral Odyssey, followed by a live video chat with the TARA Ocean scientific team aboard their vessel exploring coral reefs in the Pacific.
Dates and Opening Time
From March 27, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Location
Houilles Dôme
8 Rue Félix Toussaint
78800 Houilles
Prices
Free
Festival: Free
Ateliers: €0 - €20
Official website
www.helloasso.com
