The best parties Lorraine

Over the years, Alsace's Christmas markets have proven to be truly magical. For proof of this, a visit to Colmar is a must. For when the festive season arrives, the city of Bartholdi is decked out in sublime decorations and other enchanting illuminations! Since 2018, six markets have been opening their adorable chalets in the following locations: Place des Dominicains, Place Jeanne d'Arc, Petite Venise, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, inside the Koïfhus, and last but not least, in Place de la Cathédrale, dedicated to Alsatian gastronomy. As you stroll along, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious mulled wine while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Various fun and picturesque events are organized along the way. Not to be missed!

The mirabelle plum ? The symbol of Lorraine par excellence! This small yellow plum with a sweet taste is well worth celebrating! For more than 60 years, this golden queen has been honoured throughout the town. After the election of the Queen, an event that marks the beginning of the festivities, it's time for the party and the music! Special events honour the fruit, the yellow gold of the region, a fabulous colourful firework display lights up the sky over Metz and, finally, the Grand Corso de la Mirabelle takes place, a parade of floral floats and artists.

Go back in time and dive into the heart of another era: the Middle Ages. Every spring, the Remois pay tribute to Joan of Arc who succeeded in leading Charles VII to Reims so that he could be sacred in the cathedral. Over the course of a weekend, the Cité des Sacres returns to its former costumes and customs and offers you an exceptional programme: pyrotechnic shows, sounds and lights, concerts, falconry, fire-eaters, jugglers... not to mention the medieval village, with its camps and market and the torchlight parade of Jeanne in armour.

In 2024, the fortress will be celebrating 29 years of festivities! Entertainment resonates in the main courtyard, music fills the air, swords clash and taverns pour the precious brew. Caught up in this whirlwind of time, you're plunged into a unique adventure. Stroll through the stalls and encampments, appreciate the meticulous work of the craftsmen. you'll be joined by 10,000 other visitors for an unforgettable experience. And don't forget, during the festival, there's always the chance to visit the castle!

Saint Nicolas is a sacred day. Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of Lorraine, is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the region. It is a bit like Christmas before its time, as he goes round the schools to congratulate the good children by offering them gingerbread and chocolates, and the town is in celebration for ten days. Street shows, animations, workshops, concerts, theatre, Christmas markets, tastings of local products, artists' exhibitions... And the highlight: a magnificent parade of floats, created by Nancy and its agglomeration.

As the festive season approaches, Obernai goes into Christmas time with authenticity and friendliness. During its traditional Christmas market, under the sign of gastronomy and craftsmanship, the town lives to the rhythm of Advent in the magic that emerges from this period so special in Alsace. Some forty wooden chalets invade the town centre to create an enchanting setting between the scents of gingerbread and mulled wine. Bredalas, Christmas beer, snails, jams, chocolates, brandy, foie gras, etc... On December 6, don't miss the visit of Saint Nicholas and his black-clad sidekick, Father Fouettard!

Knights, troubadours, jugglers and minstrels invade the streets of the medieval city of Rodemack for a weekend. Saturday evening is reserved for music and the old instruments come to life to make the ladies and gentlemen dance. On Sundays, the market invades the square and one discovers a crowd of small trades and activities from the past. All this under the delicious smell of the temporary stalls that are set up for the occasion.

This medieval festival takes place on the ^3rd Sunday in May, every year. The upper city of Liverdun becomes festive to the rhythm of musicians and numerous exhibitors. More than 500 people walk around in costumes and multiple workshops to introduce them to the crafts of yesteryear are offered. The Middle Ages as if you were there, a exotic event, much appreciated by an audience of all generations.

A family and friendly celebration for the whole family. The swimming festival in Valleroy is two full days of celebration with many activities: booths of the all-purpose type, tattoos for children, a Saint-Jean fireworks display, a ball, rides for children. A large flea market is also organized for the occasion. An important event in and around Valleroy. If the weather is good, you will have a great time filled with joy and laughter.

More than 30,000 fresh snails are tasted each year at the famous Gastropod Festival, which delights gourmets. The festival is also an opportunity to discover, in the heart of the Lorraine Regional Park, a local speciality: snails prepared à la Thiaucourt, an original recipe that can be found in Lorraine cookbooks. Many exhibitors also present local products and crafts. Dance orchestra, entertainment and games on a podium, brass band, street sale: the day is rich in festivities and will end at night under the fireworks.

The commemoration in honour of Marshal Lyautey (born in Nancy in 1854) is celebrated each year on Sunday around July 10 in Thorey-Lyautey, the village where he died. His life was exceptional: French soldier, officer during the colonial wars, first general resident of the French protectorate in Morocco in 1912, Minister of War during the First World War, then Marshal of France in 1921, academician and honorary president of the three federations of the Scouts de France.

To celebrate the AOC of Toulois, the first grape harvest festival takes place on the first weekend of September 2008 in the winegrowers' villages. The tradition has continued every year since and is a great success with locals and tourists who come for the occasion. In 2018, the AOC celebrated its 20th anniversary! With an annual production of around 500 000 bottles, the vineyards of Toul and the surrounding area are constantly developing and working on its quality.