There are only a few weekends left to attend the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes at the Château de Versailles!

Published on August 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm

In the 17th century, Louis XIV was already enjoying the 1,600 jets of water in the grounds of the Château de Versailles, fed by the Seine thanks to 257 hydraulic pumps. In 1666, he inaugurated the Grandes Eaux de Versailles, a display of more than 600 water effects accompanied by music and ending with fireworks. 350 years later, you can still enjoy this sumptuous spectacle. Every day until 29 October 2023, the Grandes Eaux Musicales will play out the tableau imagined by Louis XIV in the gardens of the château. But for an even more breathtaking show, you can wait until nightfall to discover the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes.

The Grandes Eaux Nocturnes at the Château de Versailles can be enjoyed by the whole family.

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A journey through sound and light to the time of the Sun King

Every Saturday evening in summer, baroque music wafts from the royal gardens of the Château de Versailles... Until 16 September 2023, the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes take place every week in the French gardens, inviting visitors on a magical journey as the park's 55 fountains gush out and light up. Over the course of a 2? hour walk through groves that are usually closed to the public, visitors will wander between superb compositions of water jets and impressive cascades of light to the music of Lully or Charpentier... a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Apollo fountain in the gardens of the Château de Versailles illuminated.

You'll be amazed and surprised by each new aquatic and luminous composition. The Tapis Vert vibrates to the rhythm of monumental flames, while the jets of water in the Bassin du Miroir intermingle and intertwine. Meanwhile, the Bosquet in the Salle de Bal seems to flicker under the light of a thousand and one candles, and an aerial show takes place in the Théâtre d'Eau. And don't miss a trip to the Bassin de Neptune, the largest in the Château de Versailles, where the water almost seems to dance. To round off the evening in style, a royal fireworks display lights up the skies over Versailles.

The Grandes Eaux Nocturnes always end with an exceptional fireworks display.

Some practical information...

The Grandes Eaux Nocturnes take place every Saturday from 8.30pm to 11.05pm, until 16 September 2023. In addition to these performances, there will be the Nocturnes Electro on Saturday 23 September 2023.

Single tickets cost €31 per person, with children under 6 exempt. The royal ticket, at €110 per person, gives access to the Royal Serenade in the Hall of Mirrors, a tour of the royal flats accompanied by dancers, musicians, singers and actors.

Our favourite hotels in Versailles

⭐ Hôtel Le Versailles 4*

Opposite the Château de Versailles, this 4* hotel offers spacious and luxurious rooms from €127 per night. In the rooms or communal areas, the decoration is in keeping with the theme!

⭐ Hotel des Lys 3*

This 3* establishment is a 15-minute walk from the Château de Versailles and has comfortable rooms from €116 per night. Breakfast is very good and the staff are uncommonly friendly.

by Jude JONES

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