Candlelit Evenings
From 16 May to 26 September 2026, as well as on 13 July and 15 August
Vaux-le-Vicomte invites visitors to rediscover this 17th-century masterpiece by the flickering light of two thousand candles illuminating the château and French garden. A refined romantic dinner, water features in the ponds and a champagne bar complete this delightful, timeless evening. A golden and silver fireworks display will bring the evening to a close.
Practical Information
Every Saturday from 16 May to 26 September 2026, as well as 13 July and 15 August.
From 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (last entrance at the ticket office).
The estate closes at midnight.
- Full price (including Castle & Gardens): €22
- Reduced rate (children from 4 to 17 years old, students, job seekers) including Castle & Gardens: €17.50
- Gardens-only rate: €16
- Free for children under 4 years old
Every Saturday during Candlelight Night, shuttle buses are provided from Paris and Melun.
Book your tickets for the shuttle busAn enchanted evening by Candlelit Evenings
Since 1980, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has been the first château to offer candlelit evening visits, providing a dreamlike and unique experience. From 5:30 PM, explore the château in soft lighting, and as night falls, marvel at the gardens illuminated by thousands of candles!
Rediscover 33 hectares of French-style gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the magnificent architecture of Le Vau, and the sumptuous paintings of Le Brun, all bathed in the flickering glow of 2,000 candles… Relive, for an evening, the magic of the legendary fête of August 17, 1661.
In case of bad weather, our team will do everything possible to ensure at least a partial lighting of the candles and the fireworks display (except in cases of force majeure or public safety concerns).
Live Performances in the French Gardens
This year, Vaux-le-Vicomte enhances its Candlelit Evenings with an exclusive artistic program. In a true open-air theater, street performers will bring the French gardens to life, blending into the flickering candlelight to create a poetic and immersive experience.
But the enchantment doesn’t stop there… At 10:15 PM, a magical moment awaits visitors in the main alley: sparkling lights will be handed out to the audience to create a fleeting luminous fresco, just before the fireworks show begins. As the first musical notes echo through the gardens, let yourself be swept away by this collective choreography and immerse yourself in this timeless celebration.
The Palace of the Sun, Le Brun
Starting at 5:30 pm (continuous).
Visitors can discover the digital restoration of the immense 380 m² painting that Charles Le Brun had planned for this ceiling and be mesmerized by the work that builds and comes to life before their eyes.
A fireworks display of gold and silver!
A true spectacle that concludes each candlelit evening: a series of pyrotechnic scenes retracing the celebration of August 17, 1661, thanks to the letter written by La Fontaine to his friend Maucroix!
For the occasion, André Dussollier, the famous French actor, lends his voice to Jean de La Fontaine, to transport the visitor 360 years back to this famous and sumptuous evening…
The fireworks display starts at 11:00 pm.
Special Candlelight Evenings 2026!
Two evenings will punctuate the summer, each with the atmosphere of a festive open-air café:
- on 13 July, with a blue, white or red dress code to celebrate the National Day;
- on 15 August, an evening in white, dedicated to refinement.
Dancing Water Displays in the Gardens
The dancing water displays will take place during each Candlelit Evening, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Swimming is prohibited.
*(Depending on available water reserves)
A varied dining offer
During the candlelit evenings, the estate offers a quality dining experience. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Charmilles restaurant, with a view of the castle and gardens lit by candlelight, a convivial meal at the Relais de l’Écureuil, comfortably seated at the Songe de Vaux with a glass of champagne and macarons while listening to baroque music, or in the gardens enjoying a delicious picnic. Each visitor experiences magical moments, contemplating the harmony of a complete 17th-century work of art.
Privatize the dome to share a unique moment for 2!
Culminating at over 25 meters high and offering a breathtaking 360° view of the estate, the dome provides an exceptional spectacle. A unique and magical moment to celebrate together at the top of the château! You’ll also have the privilege of launching the fireworks yourself from the Dome, while enjoying a glass of champagne!
For more information, contact our team by email: commercial@vaux-le-vicomte.fr.
