Fontaines Dansantes de Metz
Free sound, light and water jet show at Lac aux Cygnes in Metz
About Fontaines Dansantes
An Iconic Metz Spectacle
The Fontaines Dansantes are one of the most popular summer events in Metz. Since the late 1950s, this free show has enchanted residents and visitors alike by the Lac aux Cygnes every summer. Having become a true Metz institution, it offers a magical moment that is an integral part of the city's cultural identity.
A Breathtaking Aquatic Ballet
The Fontaines Dansantes show is a technical and artistic feat that unfolds for over twenty minutes:
- Hundreds of animated and colorful water jets are deployed above the lake, reaching up to 15 meters in height.
- Video projections on water screens, creating spectacular suspended images.
- Colored lighting that transforms the water jets into true dancing columns of light.
- Musical soundtrack carefully chosen, to which the entire show is synchronized.
A Different Theme Each Year
Each edition of the Fontaines Dansantes features a different theme. In 2025, the show celebrated "The French Art of Living" through festivities and music, from Versailles classics to popular balls and musicals. This annual renewal encourages loyal spectators to return each summer.
At Lac aux Cygnes
The show takes place at the Lac aux Cygnes, located at the entrance of the Metz water body, below Boulevard Poincaré. This natural setting in the heart of the city provides an ideal backdrop for aquatic projections. The lake's banks allow the public to settle in comfortably and enjoy the show in a relaxed atmosphere.
An All-Summer Event
From late June to late September, the Fontaines Dansantes perform on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as the eves of public holidays. Two shows are offered each evening, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy the spectacle. This high frequency makes the Fontaines Dansantes a summer highlight in Metz.
Free and Accessible
True to its popular vocation, the show is completely free and accessible to all. No reservation is required: simply come to the edge of Lac aux Cygnes at showtime. This ease of access contributes to the event's constant success, drawing hundreds of spectators each evening.
Fontaines Dansantes — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Fontaines Dansantes de Metz takes place from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Lac aux Cygnes, at the entrance to the Plan d'Eau. On the theme « La Magie s'invite à Metz » (Magic Comes to Metz), this free sound, light, and water jet show enlivens Metz evenings throughout the summer.
2026 Edition: « La Magie s'invite à Metz »
For its new summer season, the City of Metz offers a luminous aquatic show lasting over twenty minutes at the Lac aux Cygnes. Several hundred animated and colorful water jets rise up to 15 meters high, creating moving scenes synchronized with music and interspersed with video projections onto a water screen.
The theme chosen for 2026, « La Magie s'invite à Metz » (Magic Comes to Metz), honors the world of wonder through an enchanting staging combining visual illusions, sound effects, and aquatic choreographies.
A Long Summer Season
The show runs for nearly four months, from June 12 to September 27, 2026, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and eves of public holidays. Times vary depending on the period, to adapt to nightfall.
A Metz Tradition
Initiated in 1959, the Fontaines Dansantes du Lac aux Cygnes have become one of the emblematic summer events in Metz. The 2026 edition is also part of the Festival Constellations de Metz (June 25 - September 5, 2026), a major digital and luminous art trail that transforms the city.
Programme Fontaines Dansantes 2026
2026 Calendar
From Friday, June 12 to Sunday, September 27, 2026, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and eves of public holidays.
Session Times (two performances per evening)
- From June 12 to July 29: 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM
- From July 30 to September 2: 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM
- From September 3 to 27: 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Each session lasts over 20 minutes.
Show Outline
- Several hundred animated and colorful water jets rising up to 15 meters
- Aquatic scenes synchronized with an original soundtrack
- Video projections onto a water screen integrated into the staging
- Lighting design on the theme « La Magie s'invite à Metz »
Highlights Fontaines Dansantes 2026
- Completely free sound and light show, with open access on the banks of the Lac aux Cygnes
- Over 100 performance evenings between June and September
- Water jets up to 15 meters, video projections onto a water screen, and original soundtrack
- 2026 edition on the enchanting theme « La Magie s'invite à Metz »
- Part of Metz's summer program alongside the Festival Constellations
Prices Fontaines Dansantes 2026
Practical information — Fontaines Dansantes
Access
Lac aux Cygnes is located below Boulevard Poincaré, at the entrance to the Metz water body.
- By car: Metz water body parking. From the A31, take the Metz-Centre exit and follow signs for "Plan d'eau".
- By bus/tram: Le Met' network, stops near the water body.
- On foot: Approximately 15 minutes from Metz-Ville station, walking along the Moselle.
Location
Lac aux Cygnes
Plan d'eau, Boulevard Poincaré
57000 Metz
2025 Schedule
Shows at 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and eves of public holidays, from June 20 to September 21.
Prices
Completely free show. Free access without reservation.
Tips
Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on the banks. Arrive a little early on weekend evenings to find a good spot.
Contact
City of Metz
Website: metz.fr
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Where does it take place — Fontaines Dansantes
Lac aux Cygnes
Lac aux Cygnes, 3 Quai des Régates, 57000 Metz