Montgolfiades de Metz
The grand gathering of hot air balloons at the Metz water body
2026
About Montgolfiades de Metz
Montgolfiades de Metz — edition 2026
The 2026 Montgolfiades will take place from Thursday, September 3rd to Sunday, September 6th along the banks of the Metz lake. Every day around 6:30 PM, dozens of hot air balloons will rise above the city; on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, an additional flight is scheduled for 6:30 AM at sunrise. This event is completely free and open to the public, marking the grand finale of the Fêtes de la Mirabelle organized by the City of Metz in partnership with the Association des Pilotes de Montgolfières de Moselle (APIMM).
2026 Edition: September 3rd to 6th at the lake
The official program for the 2026 Fêtes de la Mirabelle, published by the City of Metz, includes the Montgolfiades from September 3rd to 6th at the lake. They conclude the two weeks of festivities that began on August 21st at the Esplanade and continued on August 29th and 30th at the lake with the Grand Soir de la Mirabelle and the nautical parade.
Balloon flights
The meeting point is every day around 6:30 PM for the group balloon launch from the lake, with additional flights at 6:30 AM on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th at sunrise. As always, take-offs are weather-dependent: strong winds, rain, or poor visibility may lead to last-minute cancellations.
A free spectacle, in partnership with the APIMM
The Montgolfiades are presented by the City of Metz "in partnership with the Association des Pilotes de Montgolfières de Moselle." Access to the lake banks is free and open to all, with no booking required. Each year, the Montgolfiades attract nearly 10,000 people just a short walk from the center of Metz.
The same weekend at the lake
The Fête de l'eau takes place at the same location on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, and the Fête foraine de la Mirabelle remains at the Place de la République until Sunday, September 6th, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The dancing fountains at the Lac aux Cygnes will switch to their autumn schedule starting September 3rd, with shows at 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
Duration of the event
The official program from the City of Metz and the mayor's press release conclude on Sunday, September 6th. Some local event guides (Tout Metz, JDS) mention flights continuing until Wednesday, September 9th: it is best to check with the City of Metz or the APIMM before planning a visit early the following week.
Highlights Montgolfiades de Metz 2026
- From Thursday, September 3rd to Sunday, September 6th, 2026, along the banks of the Metz lake
- Group hot air balloon launch every day around 6:30 PM
- Two sunrise flights at 6:30 AM on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th
- Free event, open to all, no booking required
- Closing event of the 2026 Fêtes de la Mirabelle by the City of Metz
- Same weekend at the lake: the Fête de l'eau, Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th
Programme Montgolfiades de Metz 2026
Thursday, September 3rd, 2026
- 6:30 PM — Group hot air balloon launch · banks of the Metz lake
Friday, September 4th, 2026
- 6:30 PM — Group hot air balloon launch · banks of the lake
Saturday, September 5th, 2026
- 6:30 AM — Sunrise flight · banks of the lake
- 6:30 PM — Evening group launch · banks of the lake
- All day — Fête de l'eau at the lake (neighboring event, per City of Metz program)
Sunday, September 6th, 2026
- 6:30 AM — Sunrise flight · banks of the lake
- 6:30 PM — Evening group launch · banks of the lake
- All day — Fête de l'eau at the lake · final day of the Fête foraine de la Mirabelle, Place de la République (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
All flights are subject to weather conditions (wind, rain, visibility) and may be cancelled or rescheduled. The times announced by the City of Metz are approximate ("around 6:30 PM") and are subject to change.
Prices Montgolfiades de Metz 2026
Practical information — Montgolfiades de Metz
Access
Location
Metz water body, accessible from Boulevard de Trèves and Avenue de Blida, 57000 Metz. Hot air balloon ascents take place from the banks of the water body.
By car
Access via the A31, exit Metz-Centre or Metz-Sud. Free parking near the water body, along Boulevard de Trèves. During peak periods, additional parking may be opened.
By public transport
Le Met' network: several bus lines serve the water body. Take Mettis line A or B to a central stop, then transfer to a bus. Schedule information on lemet.fr.
By train
Metz-Ville station (TGV from Paris in 1h25). The water body is about a 25-minute walk from the station or accessible by bus.
By bike
The water body is connected to the city center by dedicated cycle paths. Mettis'Vélo self-service bike stations nearby.
Ascent Schedule
- Evening ascents: around 6:30 PM (every day, weather permitting)
- Morning ascents: around 6:30 AM on weekends
Important: all flights are entirely subject to weather conditions (wind, rain, visibility) and may be canceled or postponed at any time. Check APIMM's social media for real-time updates.
Prices
Completely free access. Ascents, activities, and demonstrations are accessible to all without reservation.
Accessibility
The banks of the water body are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The paved paths allow for wheelchair circulation.
Practical Tips
- Arrival: arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled ascent time to enjoy the inflation of the balloons and the pilots' preparations
- Morning ascents: bring warm clothing for dawn ascents in September
- Photography: the spectacle of hot air balloons over the water body and the cathedral is particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset
- Children: ideal event for families, children love the inflation of the envelopes
- Picnic: the banks of the water body are perfect for picnics while waiting for the ascents
Contact
APIMM (Association des Pilotes de Montgolfières de Moselle)
Facebook: APIMM57
Website: apimm.eu
The Montgolfiades: Metz's skies in full color
Every year in September, the Metz plan d'eau hosts the Montgolfiades, a hot air balloon gathering that fills the skies over Metz with color for several days. Organized by the City of Metz in partnership with the Association des Pilotes de Montgolfières de Moselle (APIMM), the event marks the grand finale of the Fêtes de la Mirabelle and has become one of the most anticipated highlights of the autumn season.
Spectacular take-offs
The Montgolfiades program centers on mass ascents of hot air balloons, which are the true highlight of the event:
- Evening flights: daily around 6:30 PM, weather permitting
- Morning flights: Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 AM, at sunrise, for flights in the golden light of dawn
Take-offs and flights are entirely dependent on weather conditions (wind, rain, visibility), which makes every ascent unique and precious. It is not always possible to book a flight during the event: the Montgolfiades are primarily a spectacle to be enjoyed from the riverbanks.
A free, family-friendly event
The Montgolfiades are free and open to everyone, with no reservation required. Families flock to the banks of the lake to watch the balloons inflate, observe the pilots' preparations, and see the majestic balloons rise above the city. Ground-based activities round out the program, including information stands on ballooning, technical demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the pilots. The gathering attracts nearly 10,000 people each year, just a short walk from the city center.
Metz, a cradle of ballooning
The Metz Montgolfiades are part of a strong ballooning tradition in the Lorraine region. The area also hosts major gatherings at the Chambley airbase in Meurthe-et-Moselle. The Montgolfiades offer a more intimate, urban experience in the heart of Metz, with the plan d'eau serving as a natural backdrop.
An exceptional urban setting
The Metz plan d'eau, a vast lake area south of the city, provides an ideal setting for this event. Spectators can enjoy the landscaped green spaces, walks along the banks, and panoramic views of the balloons rising above the silhouette of Metz and its cathedral. Throughout the year, the site hosts other major Metz events, such as Metz Plage, the dancing fountains, the Fête de l'eau, and various major sporting competitions.
Where does it take place — Montgolfiades de Metz
Montgolfiades de Metz in brief
History of Montgolfiades de Metz
Edition 2025 Sep 2025Other festivals near Metz
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