Reenactment at Europe's largest fortress, biennial international choir festival, Strasbourg's alternative music scene, vintage rockabilly in Illkirch: 10 picks in Grand Est.
With 39 active festivals across ten departments, Grand Est is one of the busiest regions of the Ascension long weekend. From Sedan's Medieval Festival — drawing 40,000 visitors to Europe's largest fortress — to Strasbourg's Pelpass on the German border, via Nancy, Mulhouse and Champagne vineyards, here's a panorama mixing heritage, music and gastronomy. Our pick this week: the Sedan Medieval Festival, one of the most spectacular historical events of the French spring.
Sedan Medieval Festival (Ardennes)
On May 16 and 17, the Sedan Medieval Festival takes over Europe's largest fortress (35,000 m²) for its annual edition. Over 100 artisans, troubadours, knights and medieval companies recreate life inside the stronghold. Combat, jousts, craft demonstrations, medieval market, pyrotechnic animations: since 1998, the event has drawn over 40,000 visitors per weekend. A spectacular format worth a once-in-a-lifetime visit for living heritage enthusiasts.
Pelpass Festival in Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)
From May 14 to 17, the Pelpass Festival takes over the Jardin des Deux Rives, on the Franco-German border. Three open-air stages host around forty artists — rock, electro, hip-hop, French chanson, world music — in a green setting bordered by the Rhine. Since 2017, this festival has embodied the emerging Strasbourg scene, with affordable pricing and very eclectic programming. A great way to discover Alsace's new musical wave.
Nancy Voix du Monde (Meurthe-et-Moselle)
From May 14 to 17, Nancy Voix du Monde holds its biennial international choir festival. Since 1979, it has gathered hundreds of singers from around the world in Nancy's finest venues: Centre des Congrès Prouvé, Salle Poirel, City Hall. Free and ticketed concerts, choir-to-choir meetings and masterclasses follow one another. One of the world's major vocal gatherings, surprisingly little-publicised outside choral circles.
Elsass Rock & Jive Festival in Illkirch-Graffenstaden (Bas-Rhin)
From May 13 to 17, the Elsass Rock & Jive Festival turns L'Illiade into a 1950s time-travel experience. France's third-largest vintage festival, the only one to combine rock'n'roll, rockabilly and swing concerts with burlesque shows and a vintage car exhibition. Five days of pure American atmosphere in the heart of Alsace. A unique format in France — essential if you love mid-century aesthetics.
Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB in Colmar (Haut-Rhin)
From May 15 to 17, the Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB brings together over 4,500 runners from 53 nationalities. From central Colmar to the Alsatian vineyards through some twenty fortresses, six formats from 10 to 160 km cross spectacular landscapes. A key stop on the UTMB World Series — the occasion for trail runners to discover Alsace beyond the wine route.
La Nuit des Mystères in Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin)
On Saturday May 16, La Nuit des Mystères turns European Museums Night into a vast treasure hunt across Mulhouse's museums. With a game passport, each team of 1 to 4 people walks through ten or so museums to solve puzzles and collect clues, with a Grand Prize at stake. Founded in 2006, one of the most inventive Museum Night events. Free, family-friendly, addictive.
Bulles en Bouche in Sacy (Marne)
On May 16 and 17, Bulles en Bouche gathers in Sacy more than 130 exhibitors — Champagne winemakers, regional producers, craftspeople. At the heart of the Montagne de Reims, this wine village offers a weekend of tastings, culinary discoveries and family events. Sacy's winemakers open their cellars. A young format (founded 2022) already firmly settled in the Champagne gastronomy landscape.
Foire de l'Ascension in Vouziers (Ardennes)
From May 14 to 16, the Foire de l'Ascension de Vouziers is the major popular event of southern Ardennes. For more than 70 years, this fair has gathered nearly 150 exhibitors and drawn around 20,000 visitors: craftspeople and local producer stands, shows, funfair, catering. An authentic format of rural commercial fair, far from major trade shows. Family atmosphere, in the best sense.
Les Bonnes Bulles in Saint-Mihiel (Meuse)
On May 16 and 17, Les Bonnes Bulles gathers comic-book authors, illustrators, scriptwriters and colourists in Saint-Mihiel. Born from an educational initiative at Les Avrils middle school, this free event offers signings, themed exhibitions, animated film screenings and creative competitions. Intimate, family format outside the major comics circuits — recommended for teenagers wanting to meet their favourite authors.
Ma Rue Prend l'Aire in Pierrefitte-sur-Aire (Meuse)
On May 16 and 17, Ma Rue Prend l'Aire takes over this 250-resident village for its annual edition. Since 2001, this street arts festival blends professional shows with local creations by residents in streets, courtyards, meadows and gardens. Nearly sixty performances for around twenty shows — a real associative gem in an almost family format, to discover if you're passing through the Meuse.
Also worth a look in Grand Est this weekend
More regional picks on our national agenda.
