La Louche d'Or
The International Soup Festival in Wazemmes
About La Louche d'Or
Created in 2001 by the association Attacafa, La Louche d'Or is the International Soup Festival that transforms the Wazemmes district in Lille into a giant open table every May 1st. This popular and free festival invites residents to cook, taste, and share soups from around the world in a festive and supportive atmosphere. Between soup contests, brass bands, concerts, street performances, and children's activities, La Louche d'Or attracts nearly 40,000 visitors and celebrates cultural diversity through a universal dish: soup.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach La Louche d'Or at the best price.
Sponsored link
La Louche d'Or: When Soup Brings the World Together in Wazemmes
Every May 1st, the popular and cosmopolitan district of Wazemmes in Lille transforms into a giant open-air restaurant. Since 2001, the International Soup Festival, better known as La Louche d'Or, has celebrated conviviality, sharing, and cultural diversity through the most universal dish: soup.
A Soup Contest Like No Other
At the heart of the festival is a soup contest open to everyone: families, associations, groups of friends, schools. Each participant prepares their recipe on-site, in the street, under the eyes of passers-by. A jury of personalities and food lovers goes from stand to stand to taste and rate the creations. The famous La Louche d'Or awards the best soup of the year. A special children's contest, the Ptit Bouillon, allows the youngest to also become "soup makers".
A Popular and Supportive Celebration
La Louche d'Or is more than just a culinary competition. It's a true neighborhood festival that celebrates the spirit of Wazemmes: openness, mixing, and solidarity. The festival offers:
- Concerts and Brass Bands: Music groups and brass bands parade through the streets, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.
- Street Performances: Theater, circus, juggling, and artistic performances punctuate the day.
- Children's Activities: Creative workshops, games, and shows dedicated to the little ones.
- Association Stands: Neighborhood associations present their activities and projects.
The Attacafa Association: The Driving Force Behind the Festival
La Louche d'Or is organized by the association Attacafa, a major cultural player in the Wazemmes district. Based in the Maison Folie Wazemmes, Attacafa works year-round to promote world cultures and foster social cohesion through concerts, festivals, and participatory projects. La Louche d'Or is the association's flagship event, the most joyful expression of its mission.
A Free Event Open to All
True to its values of accessibility and sharing, La Louche d'Or is an entirely free festival. No tickets, no barriers: everyone is free to come, taste, cook, and join the celebration. It is this philosophy that makes La Louche d'Or a unique event, deeply rooted in the identity of the Wazemmes district.
La Louche d'Or — edition 2026
The 26th edition of La Louche d'Or will take place on May 1st, 2026, in the Wazemmes district of Lille. A soup contest, brass bands, concerts, street performances, and children's activities are on the program for this free popular celebration.
26th Edition - May 1st, 2026
La Louche d'Or returns on May 1st, 2026, for its 26th edition in the Wazemmes district. The International Soup Festival continues to celebrate cultural diversity and sharing through the soup contest, brass bands, concerts, and activities for the whole family.
Highlights La Louche d'Or 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Date: May 1st, 2026
- Location: Wazemmes district, Lille
- 26th edition of the International Soup Festival
- Soup contest, brass bands, concerts
- Free entry and open to all
Prices La Louche d'Or 2026
Practical information — La Louche d'Or
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By Metro: 'Wazemmes' station, line 1. The festival takes place in the streets around Place de la Nouvelle Aventure and Maison Folie Wazemmes.
By Bus: Several bus lines serve the Wazemmes district (lines L5, 50).
By V'Lille: V'Lille stations are available in the district.
By Car: Parking is very difficult on the day of the festival. Prefer public transport.
Location
The festival takes place in the Wazemmes district, around Place de la Nouvelle Aventure and Rue des Sarrazins, 59000 Lille. Maison Folie Wazemmes (70 rue des Sarrazins) is the central point of the event.
Date
Every year on May 1st, from approximately 11 am to 7 pm.
Prices
Festival is completely free and open to all.
Participation in the Contest
Registration to participate in the soup contest is done in advance on the official festival website (Google Forms). Each team must provide their own ingredients and cooking equipment.
Food
In addition to the contest soups, food stalls offer dishes from around the world. The Wazemmes district also has many restaurants and food shops.
Practical Tips
- Bring your own bowl and spoon to taste the soups (eco-responsible approach).
- The festival takes place in all weather conditions, so bring appropriate clothing.
- Children's activities are concentrated in the Ptit Bouillon area.
- Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and witness the contest preparations.
- Public restrooms are available at Maison Folie Wazemmes.
Accessibility
The festival takes place in the streets of Wazemmes, which are generally accessible to people with reduced mobility. Maison Folie Wazemmes has PMR access. However, some cobbled streets may make wheelchair circulation more difficult.
With Children
Ptit Bouillon is the dedicated area for children: soup contest for the youngest, creative workshops, and adapted shows. Activities start at 11 am and continue throughout the day. It's an ideal event for families, in a popular and welcoming atmosphere.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach La Louche d'Or at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — La Louche d'Or
Quartier de Wazemmes
70 rue des Sarrazins, 59000 Lille