Metz sits at the heart of mirabelle country, a small golden plum that has defined Lorraine's identity for centuries. Every year, the city hosts the Fête de la Mirabelle, a celebration that brings together growers, chefs, and thousands of visitors eager to taste the fruit in every imaginable form. The best way to experience mirabelle products is to wander the festival village and markets, where jams, eau-de-vie, pastries, and more are on offer. For practical tips on attending the full festival, see the Fête de la Mirabelle Metz guide.
While there are no official organized tours specifically for mirabelle tastings, the festival's stalls and markets effectively function as a self-guided tour. You can stroll from vendor to vendor, meeting local producers and sampling their wares. The festival has been held annually since 1947, and it draws around 80,000 visitors each year, according to a Taste of France article.
What to Know About Mirabelle Plums
Mirabelle plums are tiny, golden-yellow fruits with a thin skin, sometimes dotted with red. They originated in Asia Minor and were introduced to Lorraine in the 15th century, reportedly by Duke René of Anjou. The two main varieties are the Mirabelle de Nancy, which is rounder, sweeter, and juicier—ideal for desserts—and the Mirabelle de Metz, which is slightly smaller and more tart, making it perfect for jams and distillation.
In 1996, the Lorraine mirabelle gained Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, and today about 75% of the world's production comes from the region's 250 orchards. This official recognition helps protect the fruit's authenticity and ties it firmly to its terroir. When you buy mirabelle products in Metz, you're often purchasing directly from those orchards.
Understanding the difference between the two varieties can guide your tasting choices. If you prefer a sweet, juicy bite, opt for products made from the Nancy variety, such as fresh fruit or desserts. For a tangier flavor that shines in preserves and brandy, look for the Metz variety, which the festival celebrates locally.
Where to Find Mirabelle Products During the Festival
The main hub for mirabelle products is the festival village on Place d'Armes, where stands are set up selling everything from fresh plums to preserves, brandies, and pastries. Historically, the festival runs for about nine days in August, and the village is open throughout. On the final weekend, a gourmet market and crafts fair takes place at the Esplanade, where you can meet mirabelle growers, chefs, and beekeepers.
While the festival is the most concentrated place to find mirabelle products, you can also look for them at local markets and shops throughout Metz during the late summer harvest season. Many patisseries and specialty stores in the city offer mirabelle tarts, jams, and liqueurs year-round, though availability peaks when the fruit is in season. For a broader view of what Metz offers beyond the mirabelle, see the festivals in France page for seasonal inspiration.
What to Taste: From Jams to Eau-de-Vie
Mirabelle products run the gamut from sweet to strong. At the festival, you'll find classic jams and pastries like tarts, but also more creative offerings such as mirabelle cola, gummies, ice cream, and even mirabelle-infused dishes with global influences. For a deeper immersion into the fruit's applications, check out how flavor experts describe its uses in drinks, desserts, and dairy products.
A must-try is mirabelle eau-de-vie, a clear brandy that is emblematic of Lorraine. Distilled from the fruit, it packs a fragrant punch and is often enjoyed as a digestif. If you're not ready for the strong stuff, sample mirabelle juice or flavored waters for a refreshing summer drink.
The festival is also a great place to discover mirabelle-based pairings. Fruit flavors like cherry, apple, and lemon complement mirabelle well, as do vanilla and cinnamon. You might find inventive cocktails or even mirabelle-flavored madeleines, showing just how versatile this fruit can be.
Tips for Visiting the Fête de la Mirabelle
To make the most of your mirabelle tasting, plan to visit the festival village early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure the best selection. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking between Place d'Armes and the Esplanade. Bring cash, as some small vendors may not accept cards.
Check the official Metz tourism website or the city's events page for the current year's program, as dates and vendor participation can change. The festival is a highlight of Metz's summer, and you can expect a lively atmosphere with concerts, shows, and the famous parade. For more on the parade and queen election, see the Mirabelle festival parade and queen election Metz article.
If you're traveling from afar, consider extending your stay to explore other Metz festivals like the Metz Christmas market guide for a winter visit, or the Metz en lumières festival for illuminated art installations. These are separate events from the mirabelle festival but showcase Metz's vibrant cultural calendar.
When to Go: Late-Summer Harvest Season
Mirabelle plums are harvested between mid-August and mid-September, when they reach full maturity. The Fête de la Mirabelle traditionally takes place in August, aligning with the peak of the harvest. This is the prime time to find the freshest plums and the widest array of mirabelle-based goods.
If you miss the festival, you can still find mirabelle products in Metz during September, as many producers continue to sell their harvest. Some shops and markets may stock mirabelle jams and brandy throughout the year, but the most authentic experience is during the harvest season when growers are most present.
How to Take Mirabelle Products Home
When shopping for mirabelle products to take home, consider shelf-stable items like jams, eau-de-vie, and candies. These travel well and make great gifts. If you buy fresh mirabelles, be prepared to eat them within a few days or preserve them yourself.
For liquid products like eau-de-vie or liqueur, check your airline's liquid restrictions if flying. For other goods, ensure they are well-packaged to avoid breakage in your luggage. If you prefer to ship items, many vendors can assist with international shipping, though it's wise to ask beforehand.
Plan Your Visit
Metz offers a rich experience for anyone wanting to taste mirabelle plum products, especially during the annual Fête de la Mirabelle. Whether you roam the festival village on Place d'Armes or the gourmet market at the Esplanade, you'll find a wealth of jams, brandies, pastries, and creative concoctions. Remember to check the official festival dates and program, as they are not confirmed for the coming year yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy mirabelle plums?
During the late-summer harvest season (mid-August to mid-September), you can buy fresh mirabelles at the Fête de la Mirabelle festival village on Place d'Armes and at the Esplanade gourmet market. Local markets in Metz also sell them, and many shops offer mirabelle-based products year-round.
What is the English name for mirabelle fruit?
In English, the fruit is commonly called 'mirabelle plum' or simply 'mirabelle'. It is a small, golden-yellow plum variety.
Are mirabelle plums grown in the USA?
Mirabelle plums are not widely grown in the USA, as they thrive mainly in the Lorraine region of France. They require specific climate conditions and are rarely exported fresh, so most mirabelle products are best sourced from France.
When is mirabelle plum season?
Mirabelle plum season runs from mid-August to mid-September, when the fruit reaches full maturity. This is also when the Fête de la Mirabelle takes place in Metz, offering the best opportunity to taste and buy fresh mirabelles and related products.
