Po'Pote Festival

Po'Pote Festival: The celebration of local flavors in Chaumont

The Po'Pote Festival was born in 2022 from the desire of the association Chaumont en Fête to create a unifying event around local gastronomy in Haute-Marne. Organized in the Halles de Chaumont, a covered market classified as a historic monument, the festival immediately won over the public with nearly 4,000 visitors in its first edition. Sponsored by chef Laurent Petit, a three-Michelin-starred chef from Haute-Marne and head of the restaurant "Le Clos des Sens" in Annecy, this first edition laid the foundation for a gourmet gathering rooted in local values.

A Concept Based on Short Circuits and Seasonality

The Po'Pote Festival carries a strong message: to permanently embed in the habits of Haute-Marne residents the importance of short supply chains, product seasonality, the fight against food waste, and healthy, affordable, balanced, and eco-responsible eating. More than just a gastronomic fair, it is a true citizen project that combines the pleasure of food with awareness of contemporary food issues.

From Po'Pote Festival to Po'Pote en Fête: An Evolution of the Format

After the success of the first edition in 2022, the association Chaumont en Fête wanted to evolve the concept. Rather than holding a large three-day event every two years, the format was redesigned in 2024 under the name "Po'Pote en Fête", with more frequent events — at least three times a year — allowing the connection with the public to be maintained throughout the seasons. The second major edition, in September 2024, was sponsored by Michelin-starred chef Takashi Kinoshita, executive chef of Château de Cîteaux in Meursault.

A Culinary Journey Between Three Continents

The originality of the Po'Pote Festival lies in its concept "Haute-Marne Inspires the World": each edition is structured around three culinary axes blending the flavors of the East, Asia, and the West, all prepared exclusively with local products from Haute-Marne in respect of seasonality. Talented chefs — such as Abdallah Bensaïd for Eastern cuisine, David Lacroix for Asian cuisine, and Thierry Henriot for Western cuisine — offer free demonstrations and tastings, proving that local products from Haute-Marne can enhance all world cuisines.

A Producers' Market and Activities for Everyone

The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of its local producers' market. More than twenty producers and artisans from Haute-Marne present their best products: cheeses, charcuterie, honeys, jams, craft beers, seasonal vegetables, and many other local treasures. Visitors can taste and buy directly from producers in a warm and authentic atmosphere.

Fun workshops for children, terrace concerts in downtown bars featuring local beers, and street entertainment complete the program. All activities are completely free, making the event accessible to all families.

A Remarkable Heritage Setting

The Halles de Chaumont, listed as a historic monument since 1988, provide an exceptional setting for this event. This 19th-century covered market, located on Rue Georges Clemenceau in the heart of the city, offers a remarkable architectural backdrop for discovering the flavors of Haute-Marne. Chaumont, the prefecture of Haute-Marne, is also known for its international poster and graphic design festival, its viaducts, and its rich historical heritage.