Musical fountains pump up the rhythm of the Château de Versailles

TKIS – Thank King it’s Saturday. While my peers are out clubbing in a dark crowded room, I am out strolling in the Gardens of the Château de Versailles with Lully playing in the background.

During the summer, almost every Saturday night, the Château is cleaned up and transformed into a magical show. If you ever want to feel fancy while visiting France, Versailles is the place to be. Forget the cafés and the Eiffel Tower, the Château de Versailles will make you feel like a royal member.

Musical fountain illuminated in the Mirror Fountain. Photo courtesy the Expereince Magazine
Musical fountain illuminated in the Mirror Fountain. Photo courtesy the Experience Magazine

After passing through the main entrance, you’ll find yourself transported into an exceptional setting. From the Latona’s Fountain and Parterre, the stretch of landscape designed by André Le Nôtre will take your breath away.

High flames rhythmically punctuating the music on The Green Carpet. Photo bu Laurie Le Bomin
High flames rhythmically punctuating the music on The Green Carpet. Photo by Laurie Le Bomin

The Château de Versailles also exhibits contemporary and monumental works of art. This year, Olafur Eliasson was the artist invited by the Château. His work Waterfall is on display at the Grand Canal. It’s a high artificial waterfall that you can see from the distance. It was impressive to see and gave the landscape a fresh look.

Lush gardens and jaw-dropping musical fountains are on display for perfectly executed shows. Gardens are illuminated and the fountains are dancing in perfect harmony with classical music playing, from romantic ballads to nocturnes; your ears and eyes are in for a treat. And if your taste buds needs a treat as well while you are strolling in the gardens, sweet and savoury gastronomical food such as hachis parmentier and macarons await.

When night falls, time seems to stops. An other world invites you in. Fountains, sculptures and vases can be found in every grove, accessible through discreet walks within the Royal Garden. The atmosphere is the perfect romantic setting for the all the lovers out there.

Final Fireworks viewed from the steps of the Latona Fountain. Photo courtesy the Experience Magazine
Final Fireworks viewed from the steps of the Latona Fountain. Photo courtesy the Experience Magazine

The freedom of walking around and getting surprised by the surroundings painstakingly assembled is priceless. The entry is not (24 euros) but it is worth it. You’ll find it easy to just let yourself be amazed by the installations wherever you decide to go.

Despite the schedule given, there is no need to check your watch and rush to places. However, keep a seat warm on the steps of the Latona Fountain before 10:50 p.m. as the crowd rushes fast to get the best spot of the Great Perpective view for the grand finale; an outstanding firework show that closes the event and lasts about 10 minutes. The fireworks are shot up in the air so subtly that the only sound you can hear are the melodious violins and clarinettes notes. The show follows a harmonious order of colours and patterns. Don’t even think about blinking! Moreover, if you’re lucky, you might be blessed by another firework show taking place in another nearby town.

Gastronomical snacks available along the Great Lawn
Gastronomical snacks available along the Great Lawn

The last show of this year will take place next week on September 17th. Don’t miss it!

Buy your tickets here: http://www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr/spectacles/2016/les-grandes-eaux-nocturnes

About Laurie Le Bomin

Laurie Le Bomin is an author and photographer based in Paris, France.

View all posts by Laurie Le Bomin →

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