Longwy (F) - Foire de Pâques

The Foire de Pâques on Place Darche in Longwy-Haut is pretty much the opposite of a boring history lesson – even though you’re wandering around here amidst the old Vauban fortifications, right in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As soon as the fair sets up shop, the historic square gets a real adrenaline rush. Where soldiers once stood to attention, high-tech rides now whizz through the air, offering a view across the border to Luxembourg and Belgium that’s truly something else.

As the sun slowly disappears behind the fortress walls, the party really gets going. Place Darche transforms into a vast sea of lights, illuminating the old façades of the Upper Town in the wildest colours. It’s this cool mix of ‘old stone’ and ‘new energy’ that makes the atmosphere here so special. You stroll between the massive walls and suddenly find yourself in front of a wall of flashing LEDs and thumping beats – a real treat for the senses.

The Foire is the ultimate meeting place for the whole border triangle. Here, people meet up for a few churros, chat away in a mix of three different languages and try out, who has the strongest nerves on the latest spinning ride. There’s a totally relaxed, laid-back atmosphere where you can’t help but notice: spring is here, and Longwy-Haut definitely knows how to celebrate it.

Culinary delights are, of course, in full swing: from sticky-sweet candyfloss to savoury snacks that go perfectly with the fresh breeze up on the fortress plateau. So if you fancy a folk festival set against a backdrop you won’t see again in a hurry, Place Darche is the place for you. Here, Longwy’s history isn’t left gathering dust in a museum, but is brought into the here and now with plenty of energy and good cheer.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- by train: Longwy station (distance 1.6 km)

- by bus: Place Darche stop (lines D, E, SN)

By car:

- Venue: Place Darche, Longwy-Haut

Parking:

- Lycée Mézières car park (Av. André Malraux)