On October 3 and 4, the Water Lantern Festival will set its floating lanterns adrift in Paris, in the 15th arrondissement. Inspired by Asian lantern-releasing traditions, such as those inChiang Mai, the event transforms the park’s reflecting pools into a veritable tableau of light as soon as night falls.
An event that blends tradition, togetherness, and a visual spectacle
The concept is simple—each participant receives a biodegradable lantern to personalize before nightfall. A first name, a memory, a wish, a drawing: everyone writes or draws whatever they like before setting their lantern adrift on the water. This moment is also intended as a pause— a time for individual reflection, but also a moment to share with loved ones or with the other participants present. Those who wish to do so can take the microphone to share a personal story or convey a message to the rest of the audience. As the evening progresses, the lights gather on the pond, creating a collective display designed to be the event’s grand finale.
The experience isn’t limited to the moment of release. An acoustic band creates a peaceful atmosphere throughout the evening, while food trucks and stalls offering local and international cuisine provide on-site dining options. A few outdoor activities round out the program. An outing designed to be enjoyed with friends, family, or as a couple. The organizers also ensure that the lanterns— made of wood and rice paper— are collected and recycled at the end of the event to minimize the impact on the site.
An exceptional setting for this Parisian edition
Opened in 1992 and designed by landscape architects Gilles Clément and Alain Provost, André Citroën Park spans 14 hectares along the Seine, featuring themed gardens and tropical greenhouses. The lanterns will be set afloat on the ponds surrounding the lawns.
The site is accessible by metro via the Javel–André Citroën station (Line 10) or via Balard and Lourmel (Line 8), as well as by RER C to Javel or Pont du Garigliano. The large pond, surrounded by themed gardens and tropical greenhouses, offers an unusual setting for this type of event in the capital.
The lanterns used are eco-friendly and biodegradable, made from wood and rice paper, in keeping with the spirit of other editions of the festival around the world.