The Fountain Night Shows at Versailles

The summer season is arguably the best time to visit the Château de Versailles because of the extraordinary fountain shows that take place at dusk. Every Saturday until September 13, Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes elicits ooohs and ahhs from the delighted crowd assembled before the fountains in Louis XIV’s royal garden, designed by André Le Nôtre.

Set to classical music, the show illuminates the gardens with colourful lights and dramatic theatrical effects. Visitors can follow a circuit to discover all the magnificent scenes, playing fountains, and laser lights in the Colonnade Grove. To cap off an enchanted evening, a spectacular fireworks lights up the night sky above the Grand Canal.

Dating from 1666, the fountain shows were a major feat of engineering, symbolising the ambition and power of the Sun King.

The shows take place from 8:30 pm to 10:40 pm, with the fireworks show at 10:50 pm. Tickets from €20; we highly recommend booking online.