Candlelit Evenings
Every Saturday from May 24 to September 27, July 13 and August 15.
Practical Information
Dates: Every Saturday from May 24 to September 27 (May 31: Special Event – Le Rendez-vous Grand Siècle) + Sunday, July 13 (special National Day event) and Friday, August 15
Schedule: From 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (last entrance at the ticket office) – The estate closes at midnight
Rates:
- 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
Dining Options: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte offers a diverse range of dining options featuring fresh and local products.
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An 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.
A romantic fine dining experience, dancing water displays in the fountains, a champagne bar, and a fireworks show complete this timeless and enchanting evening.
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.
Immersive Projection in the Grand Salon
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.
Three Unforgettable Evenings
This year, the Candlelit Evenings at Vaux-le-Vicomte will feature three special events, each offering a unique and immersive atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience unforgettable moments.
On June 21st, in celebration of Music Day, we invite you to a dance evening under the candles, with a festive guinguette. The warm and joyful atmosphere will be accompanied by outdoor music, making it the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of summer in a majestic setting.
On July 13th, we will celebrate Bastille Day with a red and gold dress code. An animated guinguette, embodying both festivity and elegance, will create a living tableau within the domain.
Finally, on August 15th, the evening will be all about elegance with a white and gold dress code. The guinguette will take on a refined festive vibe, offering a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
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.
Shuttles Departing from Paris and Melun
During each candlelit evening, shuttles are provided from Paris and Melun.
Free parking is available at the entrance to the estate.
