The gourmet and popular festival of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port
La Potée Portoise is a popular and gourmet festival held annually in the spring in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, the birthplace of the Saint-Nicolas tradition in Lorraine. For nearly 50 years, this event has brought together thousands of visitors around the famous potée portoise, prepared in quantities of one ton each year. A large market with over 100 exhibitors, traditional Lorraine folk dances, and the opening of tourist sites complete this festive and convivial day.
La Potée Portoise is one of the most popular and tastiest events in Meurthe-et-Moselle. Since its creation in the 1970s, this festival has brought together several thousand visitors each year in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port for a day dedicated to gastronomy, conviviality, and Lorraine traditions. Its name refers to the potée portoise, a generous and comforting dish typical of Lorraine cuisine.
The highlight of the day is, of course, the tasting of the potée portoise, prepared by the brotherhood's volunteers according to tradition. Each year, nearly one ton of potée is cooked to satisfy the visitors' appetites. This generous dish, made with bacon, sausages, seasonal vegetables, and potatoes, simmers for a long time and is enjoyed throughout the day in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Potée Portoise is accompanied by a large market bringing together over 100 exhibitors in the town's streets: artisans, local producers, second-hand dealers, creators, and merchants liven up the market aisles from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Visitors can find local Lorraine products, artisanal items, and gift ideas.
Folk dances by the troupe “La Ronde Vosgienne” offer a colorful show of traditional Lorraine and Alsatian dances and music, recalling the region's cultural roots.
The Potée Portoise day is also an opportunity to discover the town's rich heritage. The tourist sites are open for the event: the majestic Basilica of Saint-Nicolas (a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture), the French Museum of Brewing, the Museum of Cinema and Photography, and the stork enclosure. Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, the birthplace of the Saint-Nicolas tradition in Lorraine, is a town steeped in history that is well worth a visit.
The 50th edition of the Potée Portoise will be held in April 2026 in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. An anniversary edition with potée tasting, a large market, folk dances, and the opening of heritage sites.
The Potée Portoise will celebrate its 50th edition in April 2026 in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. This anniversary edition promises to be particularly festive, with the traditional market, potée tasting, folk dances, and the opening of heritage sites. The program will be announced in early 2026.
Saint-Nicolas-de-Port town center, 54210. The market and entertainment spread through the main streets of the town.
By car: Saint-Nicolas-de-Port is located about 12 km southeast of Nancy, accessible via the RN4 or A33. Free parking on the outskirts of the town center.
By train: Saint-Nicolas-de-Port station, served by TER trains from Nancy (10 min). The town center is a few minutes' walk from the station.
The Potée Portoise is usually held on a Sunday in April, from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
Free admission to the market and entertainment. Tasting the potée is subject to a fee (modest price).
Consult the detailed program before your visit to plan your trip. In case of bad weather, some activities may be modified or canceled. Follow the event's social media for the latest information and program updates.
For visitors coming from afar, Saint-Nicolas-de-Port and its surroundings offer various accommodation options: hotels, B&Bs, gîtes, and vacation rentals. It is advisable to book in advance during the festival period. The local tourist office can provide information on accommodation availability.
The event strives to be accessible to all audiences, including people with reduced mobility. For any specific questions regarding accessibility, do not hesitate to contact the organizers in advance of the event.
Take advantage of your visit to Saint-Nicolas-de-Port to discover the local heritage and the riches of Meurthe-et-Moselle. The department is full of historical sites, museums, natural parks, and Lorraine gastronomic specialties to discover throughout the year.
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Centre-ville de Saint-Nicolas-de-Port