From the Rocroi Viking festival to the Riquewihr Venetian parade, twelve Grand Est outings for the weekend of July 4 and 5, between champagne, Celtic music and Ardennes rock.
What's on in the Grand Est this weekend of July 4 and 5? July opens with a spectacular range, from the tip of the Ardennes to the Alsatian vineyards. Our pick of the week goes to the Rocroi Viking Festival, the largest Viking festival in France, and to the Riquewihr Venetian Parade, which carries one of France's most beautiful villages into the spirit of the Venice Carnival. Between champagne in the Côte des Bar, Celtic music at the Château de Malbrouck, Ardennes rock, Alsatian pottery and classical music in Colmar, the lineup ranges wide. Here are twelve handpicked outings.
Rocroi Viking Festival (08): the largest Viking festival in France
From Friday July 3 to Sunday July 5, the Place d'Armes of Rocroi, a fortified town in the Ardennes, hosts the Rocroi Viking Festival, also known as the Battle of Rocroi. Organised by the town and the associations Les Adorateurs de Byggvir and Fenrìs Ùlfar - Les Loups de Fenrir, it gathers more than 350 fighters from across Europe.
For three days, encampments, re-enacted battles and crafts bring the age of the Vikings back to life within the star-shaped ramparts designed by Vauban. It's the largest event of its kind in France. Bring the family for its scale and its authenticity. A step into Norse history, at the very north of the region.
Riquewihr Venetian Parade (68): Venice comes to Alsace
On Saturday July 4 and Sunday July 5, the Riquewihr Venetian Parade carries one of France's most beautiful villages into the world of the Venice Carnival. Since 2012, dozens of costumed figures from France and Europe stroll through the medieval lanes, wearing delicately crafted masks and sumptuous period costumes.
On Saturday evening, an illuminated night parade lights up the half-timbered houses of this wine town. The contrast between the baroque costumes and the Alsatian setting is the whole charm of the event. Recommended for lovers of photography and heritage, for a timeless wander along the Wine Route.
Colmar International Festival (68): classical music at its peak
On Sunday July 5, the Colmar International Festival opens its new edition in the capital of the Alsatian vineyards. Since 1979, it has gathered the greatest names in classical music every summer over twelve days.
The Saint-Matthieu church, the municipal theatre and the Koïfhus host symphonies, recitals and concerts by young talents under the artistic direction of Alain Altinoglu. From Grigory Sokolov to Yuja Wang, the programme draws music lovers from around the world to an outstanding heritage setting. It's one of the great classical events of the French summer, to enjoy from its very first concerts.
Champagne Party in Bar-sur-Aube (10): the cellars thrown wide open
In the mood for bubbles this weekend? On July 4 and 5, the Champagne Party takes over Bar-sur-Aube and its surroundings, deep in the Côte des Bar. For two days, around a dozen champagne houses open their doors at the same time for an unusual wine-tourism programme: cellar visits, tastings, guided walks through the vines and even buggy and 4x4 excursions.
This friendly event shines a light on a lesser-known part of the Champagne vineyards, in the south of the Aube department. An ideal gourmet break for bubbly lovers keen to meet the winegrowers. Pair it with the rolling landscapes of the Côte des Bar, between Champagne and Burgundy.
Clin d'Oeil Festival in Reims (51): the arts in sign language
Through Sunday July 5, the Auguste Delaune Stadium in Reims hosts the Clin d'Oeil Festival, an international biennial event devoted to the arts in sign language. Organised since 2003 by the CinéSourds association, it brings together some forty countries over four days.
On the programme: live shows, film competitions, concerts in sign language, visual arts, street arts, circus, slam and the famous Deaf Parties. Fully accessible, this one-of-a-kind festival opens up to deaf and hearing audiences alike. It's a striking immersion in a living, creative culture, well off the beaten track. Worth discovering for its energy and spirit of sharing, in the city of coronations.
Les Nuits Celtiques de Malbrouck in Manderen (57): Celtic music at the castle
On Saturday July 4, the Château de Malbrouck in Manderen-Ritzing rings with Les Nuits Celtiques de Malbrouck. Organised by the Moselle department, this Celtic music festival welcomes bands from France, Scotland, Sweden and Italy for electric and acoustic concerts across several stages.
The exceptional setting of this medieval fortress, near the Three Borders point, gives the evening a singular atmosphere. A date for fans of Celtic music and for anyone after a fine heritage site. Recommended to combine rousing concerts with the discovery of one of the most spectacular castles in Lorraine.
Fête du Vin de Dambach-la-Ville (67): the Wine Night on the Alsace Wine Route
On Saturday July 4, the Fête du Vin de Dambach-la-Ville celebrates the winegrowers of this fortified Alsatian town, with the famous Nuit du Vin (Wine Night) as its highlight. In the illuminated medieval setting of the market square, the winemakers offer tastings of their finest Grand Cru Frankstein wines, served with tartes flambées, while a grand ball enlivens the open-air evening.
This key event of the Alsace Wine Route blends conviviality, terroir and heritage. An authentic wine festival, ideal for discovering the wines of the Bas-Rhin in a lively atmosphere. Best enjoyed as night falls, when the ramparts light up and the glasses are raised.
Festival de l'Eau in Bourbonne-les-Bains (52): the spa town in festive mood
From Friday July 3 to Sunday July 5, the Festival de l'Eau brings free festivities to Bourbonne-les-Bains, a Haute-Marne spa town renowned since Roman times for its hot springs gushing at 66°C.
For three days, the town celebrates its water heritage with dancing-fountain shows, pyrotechnic displays, artistic parades and water games for children. The Place des Bains turns into a festive theatre where young and old come together. A family-friendly, easygoing outing, perfect for enjoying summer in a leafy spa setting. Pair it with this discreet resort in the south of the region, between Lorraine, Champagne and Burgundy.
Golbey Plein Air (88): the big summer stage near Épinal
More of an open-air concert fan? On Saturday July 4 and Sunday July 5, Golbey Plein Air brings the La Haye le Doyen sports complex to life, on the edge of Épinal. Organised by the town of Golbey and Oméga Spectacles, this summer music event turns the site into an open-air stage and welcomes renowned artists before 4,000 to 5,000 spectators.
Mixing free evenings and ticketed concerts, the festival offers a popular, unifying lineup. It's one of the great summer moments in the Épinal area, to enjoy with friends or family. Recommended for the buzz of big open-air concerts, in the Vosges, without travelling hundreds of kilometres.
Ardenn'Rock Festival in Signy-l'Abbaye (08): rock in the forest
From Friday July 3 to Sunday July 5, the Ardenn'Rock Festival takes over the natural, wooded site of La Venerie, on the heights of Signy-l'Abbaye. Created in 2013 by the Ardenn'Rock association, made up of musicians and enthusiasts, it combines a demanding rock lineup with a showcase of the Ardennes territory.
The rural setting, far from the big urban stages, gives this open-air festival a warm, independent identity. A gem worth supporting for fans of guitars and friendly atmospheres, away from the well-trodden circuits. Worth discovering for the sincerity of the community-run project and the beauty of the Ardennes massif, on the first weekend of July.
Betschdorf Pottery Days (67): salt-glazed stoneware in the spotlight
On Saturday July 4, the Rue des Potiers in Betschdorf hosts the Betschdorf Pottery Days, whose highlight is the Night of Ceramics and Crafts. This Bas-Rhin village is famous for its salt-glazed stoneware, painted in cobalt blue, a unique technique inherited from the Westerwald potters since the 18th century.
From 5 pm to midnight, the artisans open their workshops and share their know-how with the public. A gem for lovers of crafts and living traditions, in a village that keeps a rare heritage alive. Recommended for meeting the potters and discovering a local art that has become an emblem of northern Alsace.
United Music Festival in Vittel (88): the Vosges electro night
On Saturday July 4, the Jean Bouloumié Stadium in Vittel hosts the United Music Festival, an open-air electronic music event in the Vosges. Created in 2016 by DJ and artistic director Morgan Nagoya, this touring festival brings together the best French and international DJs for a night blending electro, house and dance, driven by special effects.
The festive mood and the staging make it a much-anticipated date for electronic music fans in eastern France. It's the most nocturnal pick of the weekend, for anyone who wants to dance into the small hours. One for a crowd that comes looking for the energy of big open-air electro sets.
To explore other regions this weekend, head to our full weekend agenda. Between the Ardennes, Champagne, Lorraine and Alsace, the Grand Est opens July on every note: living history, music, great wines and crafts. Plenty to fill a Saturday and a Sunday your way. Enjoy the first weekend of July in the Grand Est.
