Every summer, the Château of Versailles revives its past of grandiose parties and offers the general public some unique experiences. The most stunning of which occurs near the Neptune Fountain, the largest of the Garden’s ornamental water features with 99 different effects. At the start of summer, a terrace seating 7,000 is set up around the fountain, in a semicircle, looking towards the Château. Five new shows will be stirring this magical place once again this year.

On 24th June, the Groupe F, who lit up the Eiffel Tour on the eve of the new millennium, has a pyrotechnical enchantment in store, set to the spellbinding sound of Haendel’s Music for Royal Fireworks. A suite written for George II’s royal fireworks which took place on the Thames, performed here by the Concert Spirituel, directed by Hervé Niquet. You can see the Groupe F again with their new piece Les Noces Royales de Louis XIV on 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th 17th and 18th September.

As for recitals, the singer Mathieu Chedid, alias M, will perform a show commensurate with his exceptional talent and this sumptuous setting on 29th June.

Dance enthusiasts will be thrilled by the aerial duos of brilliant choreographer Angelin Preljocaj. Following the huge success of last year’s Snow White, he is back with his troupe to pay homage to the Ballets Russes, in this their centenary year, with two of their masterpieces: The Wedding and The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky.

To prepare you stay in Versailles discover the website of the Office de Tourisme de Versailles www.versailles-tourisme.com (pratical information, transport, lodging, restaurants...)