Foire aux Pieds de Cochon

The celebration of a legendary specialty

The Foire aux Pieds de Cochon of Sainte-Ménehould is a unique gastronomic event in France that celebrates the most emblematic culinary specialty of the capital of Argonne. According to tradition, the recipe for Sainte-Ménehould style pork trotters was born in the 18th century in a local inn, from a dish forgotten on the fire. This slow and prolonged cooking — approximately thirty hours over low heat, the trotters wrapped in a fabric ribbon to maintain their shape — gives the meat an incomparable melting texture, until the bones themselves become edible.

The Confrérie du Pied de Cochon

Founded in 2003 by a group of enthusiasts of the Argonne region, the Confrérie du Pied de Cochon « à la Sainte-Ménehould » has set itself the mission of defending and promoting the traditional recipe for pork trotters, as well as more broadly the local products of Argonne. Chaired by Thomas Laffrata, its members, recognizable by their ceremonial attire, preside over the festivities and induct new knights of the pork trotter each year. The fair is organized jointly with the association Argonne en Bouche, chaired by Bruno Cellier, a former artisan baker-pastry chef and defender of regional products.

A gourmet market at the Parc de l'Isle Sainte-Marie

The Parc de l'Isle Sainte-Marie, on the edge of the city center, hosts around a hundred exhibitors each year: local producers, food artisans, winemakers, and creators offer specialties from Argonne and Champagne. Pork trotters prepared according to the traditional recipe are served to gourmets who flock by the thousands — over 2,000 visitors each year — to taste this unique specialty. A dining hall accommodates approximately 200 seated people for lunch.

Festive and friendly entertainment

The fair's program includes entertainment for all ages: the famous pig squealing contest which sparks general hilarity, the biggest pork trotter eater contest, the guess the pig's weight game, pig tail throwing, duck fishing for children, musical entertainment with accordion and local groups, as well as festive costumed strolls by the members of the Confrérie. The entire day takes place in a rustic and good-natured atmosphere, as May 8th is a public holiday.