About Fêtes de la Mirabelle

The Fêtes de la Mirabelle are the flagship popular event of the summer in Metz, celebrating the emblematic fruit of Lorraine every year at the end of August. Organized since 1947, these festivities span nearly two weeks with a rich program: crowning of the Mirabelle Queen, Market of Flavors and Arts, concerts, a nautical parade on the water, a grand musical evening, fireworks, street entertainment, and hot air balloon festivals. This unifying event attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and embodies the gastronomic and festive identity of Lorraine.

The emblematic festival of Lorraine

Since 1947, the Fêtes de la Mirabelle have celebrated the king fruit of Lorraine every summer: the mirabelle plum. This small golden fruit, of which the Metz region accounts for more than 70% of world production, is the pretext for nearly two weeks of popular festivities that punctuate the end of summer in Metz. The Fêtes de la Mirabelle are today one of the largest festive events in the Grand Est region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

A rich and varied program

The Crowning of the Queen

The official opening of the festival is marked by the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen, a traditional ceremony that takes place in the prestigious hall of the Arsenal Jean-Marie Rausch. This solemn and festive moment perpetuates a tradition several decades old and kicks off the celebrations.

The Market of Flavors and Arts

On the Esplanade, about fifty stands offer the best regional products, local crafts, and literary and artistic creations over a long weekend. It's an opportunity to taste mirabelle tarts, jams, brandies, and other Lorraine specialties, while discovering the know-how of local artisans.

The Grand Evening and Fireworks

The highlight of the festival remains the Grand Evening at the Metz water's edge, which brings together several thousand spectators for a program of concerts with nationally renowned artists. The evening traditionally concludes with spectacular fireworks launched from the water.

The Nautical Parade

A unique show of its kind, the nautical parade features decorated and illuminated boats parading on the Moselle River, with a different theme each year. This floating parade, accompanied by music and entertainment, offers a magical spectacle to spectators gathered on the banks.

The Hot Air Balloon Festival

The festival traditionally continues with the Metz Hot Air Balloon Festival, a gathering of hot air balloons that rise above the city, offering a colorful and poetic aerial spectacle above the rooftops.

A popular and unifying event

The Fêtes de la Mirabelle are above all a popular festival that brings together the people of Metz and visitors from all over the region. Street entertainment, free concerts, open-air bars, fairground rides, and children's shows punctuate the two weeks of festivities. The event is supported by the City of Metz with the backing of the Eurometropolis and numerous partners.

Practical information — Fêtes de la Mirabelle

Access

The Fêtes de la Mirabelle take place in several locations in Metz, easily accessible by all modes of transport.

By train: Metz-Ville station, served by TGV from Paris (1h20), Strasbourg (1h30), Luxembourg (50 min), and Nancy (35 min). The station is a 15-minute walk from the Esplanade and 25 minutes from the water's edge.
By car: A31 (Paris-Luxembourg axis) and A4 (Strasbourg-Paris axis) motorways. City center parking: Esplanade, République, Cathédrale, Saint-Jacques. Water's edge parking for the Grand Evening and the nautical parade. Expect significant crowds on days of major events.
By bus/tram: LE MET' network (Mettis lines A and B), numerous stops near the festival venues. Special shuttles are provided for the Grand Evening at the water's edge.
By bike: VélOstan'lib stations throughout the city center. Cycle paths connecting the city center to the water's edge.

Main venues

Esplanade – Place de la République: Market of Flavors and Arts (approx. 80 stands). Free access.
Metz water's edge: Grand Evening with concerts, nautical parade, and fireworks. Access via the Moselle riverbanks.
Arsenal Jean-Marie Rausch: Crowning ceremony of the Mirabelle Queen. 3 avenue Ney, 57000 Metz.
City center: Street entertainment, free concerts, open-air bars, and shows scattered throughout the streets and squares.

Schedules

The festivities span nearly two weeks at the end of August. The Market of Flavors is generally open from 10 am to 8 pm. The Grand Evening starts in the late afternoon (around 5-6 pm) and continues until midnight. The nautical parade takes place on Sunday afternoon (around 4:30 pm). Detailed schedules for each event are available on the City of Metz website.

Prices

Most events are free: Market of Flavors, street entertainment, free concerts, open-air bars. Some events are ticketed: Grand Evening (evening concerts), crowning at the Arsenal. Prices are announced each year on the City's website and in the local press.

Food and Drink

The Market of Flavors offers a wide range of food and drink with regional products: mirabelle tarts, jams, brandies, quiches lorraines, local specialties. Food stalls are present at the water's edge during the Grand Evening.

Contact

City of Metz: metz.fr
Metz Tourist Office: www.tourisme-metz.com
OT Phone: 03 87 39 00 00

Fêtes de la Mirabelle