Have you ever been swept off your feet by something wonderful to the extent that you raved about it for days on end? That was the exact feeling I had after visiting the Fountains Night Show at Versailles.
It was one of those instances that can only be experienced in a book — a romantic evening amid royalty and history with swirling lights and dancing water.
This anticipation was due for weeks. Versailles at night by mere imagination is majestic but being able to experience the Versailles night fountain show presents a totally different magic to this already magnificent building.
As the light faded, which was also the lover’s daylight, the furry monsters splashed, music started, sparklers & colors joined in — quite an unforgettable musical drama of amazing sights and sounds. In Magical Versailles Night Fountain Show.
The Magic of Versailles After Dark
Most tourists come to Versailles during the day to see the beautiful palace, and the beautiful menage. However, at night, Versailles has a completely different face. As I strolled in the gardens of Versailles in the night, it was lit up with moonlight, and the pathway lamps. It was as though I was back to the reign of Louis the XIV.
As soon as I heard that the Fountains Night Show ticket includes fireworks in addition to access to the gardens, I realized I have no choice but to go.
The Night Fountains at the Palace of Versailles coupled the spirits of the most famous fountains of the palace with music, light and fireworks during the show –Panoramic Show.
It is an experience unlike anything you will ever encounter anywhere else. I was especially looking forward to the Latona Fountain which is one of the most distinct fountains of Versailles palace and functions in the dark of the night.
History of the Fountains and the Gardens at Versailles aimed at their Creation
The fountains at the Palace of Versailles in Paris are hardly just ornamental features in the landscape. They are beautiful statues that were constructed to represent the dominance and greatness of the French monarchy.
The gardens conceived by the landscape architect André de Nôtre were ordered by Louis XIV known as the Sun King. He wanted to combine art, nature, and architecture in such a manner that it represented his reign over the kingdom of France.
At present in the gardens of Versailles there are over fifty fountains and each one has its own story and its design. The waters of the fountains were initially put up through a complex of very advanced hydraulic installations.
The Latona Fountain, for instance, illustrates the fable of Latona, a mother of Apollo and Diana in the fresh mission. It is where she beseeches Jupiter to avenge her against the farmers who wronged her. These are as seen within a structure as the Latona Fountain.
You can appreciate the beauty and design of these fountains when you take walks around the gardens during the day. This is to say that at night, these attractions acquire a different sort of magic.
The fountains at night outshine all other decorations. Water from the fountains is released in harmony with the music which together with colorful lights immerses the visitors into a feeling of royalty for this one night.
My Unforgettable Experience at the Fountains Night Show
Arriving at Versailles at night is something undelightful. The usually overrun Versailles during the day by tourists was serene and beautifully lit with golden hues.
The fountains in the Palace of Versailles started dancing to the sound of music with streams of water bursting forth and paralleled by countless lights. The Musical Fountains Show is something that initiated in good time as dusk began to set in.
As such the fountains in the Palace of Versailles later joined into the music that was obtained from the fountains. Each fountain was a presentation of a tale, all of this while the musical gardens of Versailles serenaded the scene with harmonious tunes.
The Versailles musical fountains show was something completely different. There was a combination of art, nature and technology that beautifully impressed me.
The wonderful ending was an unforgettable target which was the fountain display fireworks show. The sky seemed to bloom exponentially with marvelous colors of the fireworks that were coordinated perfectly to the music.
Standing with my blush on, watching and admiring the beautiful fountain and the decorated sky, I knew that this had been a special moment. It was a special kind of experience that is hard to try and explain, and all I could do was enjoy the moment.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Recommendations Near Versailles
If you’ll be having an overnight stay, I greatly suggest you secure a room in Le Louis Versailles Château Hotel. Given that it is a stone throw away from the palace, the grande maison de couture hotel provides all the luxuries of modern and yesteryears to the guests who wish to lavish a little bit.
The added bonus is that the palace is so close that there is no need for a transport to head back after the Versailles fountain show. On the other end, the more affordable option is Hôtel d’Angleterre, also close to the palace.
Packed with style and charm, this lovely little hotel is an adorable place to stay in without going overboard in your budget. After a night of listening to the string of waters over the Nobles’ gardens, concern yourself how beautiful the next day shall be, this shall be the ideal rest place, without a doubt.
Where are the Best Places to Eat after the Show in Versailles?
After enjoying the fountain show at Versailles, you would most likely have worked up an appetite and want to grab a nice meal. One of the ones I enjoyed the most when visiting was La Table Du 11 which has got a Michelin star for serving creative French cuisine in refined atmosphere.
The meals feature the best of what can be found in this particular small town, which is also true for the beauty of the dishes. For a nicer but more laid back option, I would suggest Brasserie du Théâtre, just a short stroll away from the palace.
With warm interiors and endless french comfort foods, this is a great place to warm up after a long night out. Order their escargot or you can’t take yourself away from their bon-bon beef bourguignon.
Useful Information for Guests of the Night Fountain Show Versailles
The special night visit of the Versailles fountains is an experience one would normally look forward to, and here are a few tips to maximize that experience:
- Book Tickets in Advance: The ticket for the Fountains Night Show includes the access to the gardens and the fireworks show although it is advisable to make your reservations in advance as they tend to run out especially during the summer season.
Be sure to make your ticket purchases long before the performance day.
- Transportation: Those coming from Paris can take the RER C train that leads to Versailles. The trains do run till late so there is no need to worry after the show about getting back. But if one has the means and wants more options, moving around using a car is another alternative although there may be restrictions on where you could park around the palace.
- Budget-Friendly Activities: There is no entry fee to the gardens of Versailles, and the night fountain show is worth every penny. For those on a tight budget: get a take away and eat in the gardens before the show begins.
- What to Wear: The evening temperatures in the gardens tend to be a bit cold in spring or autumn and a light coat or besides a light dress also helps. Proper attire of the foot as a lot is required in this case going around.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Versailles Night Fountain Show?
The spectacular light and fountain show at Versailles Palace Night Fountain Show takes place between mid June to mid September mostly weekends. Most tourists should go in summer because it is usually hot making it a lovely time to walk through the outdoor premises that consists of fountains and gardens.
However, if you prefer to avoid the masses and still catch the show while the weather is pleasant, early September can be a good time for the same.
Reasons To Attend The Versailles Night Fountain Show
Among the most memorable things I appreciate when touring the fountains of Versailles is the fact that, indeed, this is one of the most popular shows in France. Let’s not even doubt the charm in observing the fountains in the dark night sky as torches, fireworks and the music of the ancient Versailles work together to make a fast retreat.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a connoisseur of art, or just a person who wants to have some extraordinary evening in France, the Fountains Night Show at Versailles is one of the things you will never forget in a hurry.
Hence the next time you happen to be in France, make it a point to include this amazing show in your plans. You are going into a land full of royalty, music, and magic and like me, trust, you are going to enjoy it.
FAQs:
What does the Fountains Night Show ticket include?
The Fountains Night Show ticket includes garden access at Versailles where the additional delights are the illuminati – musical fountain show, lights, and an impressive – fireworks show. It presents the best chance to appreciate the lovely fountains and gardens by night which is rare.
When does the Versailles Night Fountain Show take place?
The Versailles Palace Night Fountain Show is usually held from mid-June until mid-September, Saturday evenings, for around 3-4 hours.
It is an event for summer but the timelines may differ so checking official pages for the latest schedule is advisable.
Is the Versailles Night Fountain Show worth it?
Yes, very much so. The Versailles night fountain show essentially consists of a mixture of sound and visual shows of water which is bound to make you wonder at the beauty of the gardens of versailles as it could only happen in the evening with more enchantment than the day. It ends with a fantastic light display making up for everything so yes go visit it.
How long does the Versailles Night Fountain Show last?
Approximately two hours are spent on light shows, musical fountain shows and fireworks shows which is mostly the last show once done with the rest.
The whole show starts some minutes before sunset and closes a few houses’ stretch at 11:00 PM.
Can you bring Water and Food into Versailles on the Night Show?
Yes, water and snacks are permitted in Versailles garden but please don’t leave trash behind.
Lots of visitors prefer bringing a picnic basket in the gardens before the night fountain show commences.
How do I reach Versailles for the Night Fountain Show?
If visiting Versailles from Paris, the easiest option to reach Versailles is by taking the RER C that takes around 40 minutes, which is followed by more than an hour of walking.
Besides the Eiffel Tower and the gardens, where visitors are allowed to take photos or video filming, Le Chesnoy is not open during show hours. You can, however, drive as an alternative option, although finding parking spaces near the palace can be hard.
