Cochonnailles de La Roche-en-Ardenne
Traditional pork feast at the castle kicking off the carnival season.
Promote authentic regional pork cuisine and castle heritage tourism during carnival season to food-focused travelers and local communities.
- Behind-the-scenes prep of traditional pork dishes at the castle
- Carnival season kickoff: heritage meets celebration
- Local food tourism: discover Ardenne's culinary traditions
The Cochonnailles tradition began in 1978 , making it an annual gueuleton (festive feast) at the castle of La Roche that launches the start of carnival celebrations . Nearly 700 people attended the 2026 edition , filling the feudal castle to near capacity. The event maintains immutable traditions, including a princely welcome and a glass of purnalet (a prune alcohol) . [ "Royal welcome by the carnival prince and court with purnalet (traditional prune alcohol) served in chocolate glasses", "Traditional Ardennes feast: hearty soup, potée au lard (pork stew), roasted pig, and grilled sausages", "Multiple themed bars: peket bar, Lupulus (beer bar), wine bar", "DJ entertainment (DJ Pablo) and festive atmosphere in the exceptional medieval castle setting", "Capacity near 700 people; requires advance booking for seat security", "Part of the season launch for the major La Roche Carnival (50th edition in 2026)" ]