The French have whisked up a dash of bon appétit with a pinch of bon voyage through a new initiative called Passionnément Moselle, which is designed to help visitors enjoy the best of the eastern département this summer.
Passionately Moselle focuses on a number of tourist destinations, with the most talented chefs in the region offering unique pop-up dining experiences… and entry to the venues themselves is free until the schools go back, so be quick!
JARDINS FRUITIERS DE LAQUENEXY
This 15-hectare site just 10 minutes from Metz boasts 22 themed gardens and thanks to Marcotullio Traiteur you can dine in the midst of this tranquil setting. Garden View dinners include a chance to visit the gardens from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays, followed by an aperitif on the esplanade at 8pm and a meal from 9pm, with musical accompaniment. Menus vary from one evening to the next and cost €40 for adults and €17 for children up to 10 years old.
Or perhaps you fancy a garden brunch, starting with a tour of the gardens at 10am with picnic baskets available from 11am to 3pm? Brunches are held every Sunday until August 30, for the price of €37 per adult and €18 per child. Booking is essential.
MAISON ROBERT SCHUMAN IN SCY-CHAZELLES
The historic 1950s home of former Foreign Affairs minister Robert Schuman was the site of the Schuman Declaration – basically a precursor to the European Union. Soak up the history of this typical Lorraine mansion and marvel at the architecture of the 12th-century Saint-Quentin Chapel, where the ‘Father of Europe’ rests. The gardens overlook the Moselle valley and it is here you can enjoy the culinary expertise of chef David Ciré. Evening meals (€55) and brunches (€30) use the best local products, with the herbs and flowers coming direct from Schuman’s garden. Booking is essential.
BLIESBRÜCK-REINHEIM ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK
Located on the border with Germany, this park showcases the region’s past Celtic and Gallo-Roman civilisations through archeological remains unearthed over the years. Educational and fun, there are workshops and games for youngsters on offer. Catering is courtesy of JM Gayer and booking is essential.
CHÂTEAU DE MALBROUCK IN MANDEREN
Located in the Land of the Three Borders, close to Luxembourg and Saarland, this is the only fully preserved 15th-century castle in Lorraine today. Malbrouck Castle has four corner towers (the Lantern Tower, the Witch’s Tower, the Tower of the Bald Rock and the Tower of the Ladies) connected by courts, a three-level house and a large central courtyard. It is possible to complete a complete circuit through the upper levels of each lap.
This Sunday, August 16, from 11am to 3pm, you can enjoy a Great Brunch with entertainment or lunch in the knights’ hall. And on Friday, August 21 at 8pm, roll up your sleeves for a Medieval Banquet at the castle. Reservations must be made by telephone on 03 87 79 30 50.
All venues taking part in Passionnément Moselle are adhering to strict safety protocols. For more information, visit mosellepassion.fr.
