The best parties Lorraine

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.

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.

A carnival? No, carnivals! It's a real festival that takes place in the halls and streets of Sarreguemines during more than ten days at the end of February. Do you want to experience an authentic and colourful festival? It takes place every year, one week before Mardi Gras and always takes place according to the same ritual with the princely couple, the Kappensitzung, the great Cavalcade, the masked balls (Balla-Balla) and ends on Ash Wednesday with the condemnation of the Prince. An exceptional event that promises great emotions for the greatest joy of young and old alike! Festive atmosphere guaranteed, in costumes and colours! So, shall we disguise ourselves?

On the esplanade of the chapel, an official ceremony pays tribute to the 14,246 American soldiers who bravely fought for France in 1914-1918 and are buried in the Romagne-sous-Montfaucon cemetery. For the occasion, French and American flags are placed on the graves commemorating the Franco-American alliance.

For decades, Metz has been home to one of the largest funfairs in Eastern France. It covers almost 60,000 m² at the Parc des Expositions. Accompanied by the delicious smell of caramelized popcorn, barbecued meats and cotton candy, families storm the shooting galleries, haunted houses, laughing palaces, thrill rides... There's something for every taste and every age! Think smart: there's always a day when all the rides are half-price, just ask the fairground owners. Atmosphere guaranteed!

If you want to discover local products, the Holiday Festival is made for you. Over two days, various animations will be organized in May. After a meal in the ballroom, everyone will go to the church of Senones to listen to Te Deum by the ensemble Stradivavia in Nantes. This is the day after the twinning mass. Several small growers will also be rewarded before lunch. In the afternoon, conferences, tastings and concerts are underway.

Every two years, students from all over eastern France gather at the 24h de Stan to race around the Place Carrière on gigantic floats decorated according to a theme. Artistic shows, parades, games and tombolas are organized in parallel, and each school has a stand in the square. The atmosphere is good-natured, and the prizes awarded are mostly symbolic and humorous. The event ensures Nancy's reputation as a student city, as young people take over the city to celebrate student life in just 24 hours!