July 14, 2026: Versailles fireworks go ahead during the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes.

Le Château de Versailles invites us to celebrate Bastille Day once again this year while enjoying the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes planned for July 14, 2026. On the program, a poetic stroll through the historic gardens with a spectacular fireworks display to cap it off! The finale of the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes has a prefectural exemption and will indeed light up the gardens on Tuesday evening.

For the National Day 2026, the Château de Versailles (78) opens its gardens for an off-season Saturday evening of Grandes Eaux Nocturnes. The program features a 2.5-hour stroll through the groves as the fountains are brought to life with water and light, followed by a final 25-minute fireworks display by Groupe F. Good news in a department where the prefectural order had banned fireworks and major events: this event goes ahead thanks to a prefectural exemption.

What will you see at the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes on Bastille Day, July 14, 2026?

The stroll opens onto the gardens laid out by André Le Nôtre, where the groves that are usually off-limits to the public can be wandered through at dusk. The fountains come to life, water jets arc through the air, and the soundtrack sweeps us back in time with iconic Baroque tunes from Lully to Charpentier, Gluck to Rameau.

The highlight of this stroll unfolds at Neptune Basin, the largest basin in the gardens, with its choreographies of water jets and cascades of light. It’s the kind of moment that makes you slow down without realizing it, as if the park itself sets its own tempo.

Then comes the finale, which alone is worth the trip. Twenty-five minutes of a show that blends aerial stunts, pyrotechnics and 500 light drones in the colors of the Republic, carried by a two-part soundtrack—baroque, then nineteenth century—before ending with La Marseillaise.

What time does the soirée at the Palace of Versailles start?

The evening’s program:

Early access to the Terraces and the Neptune Esplanade starting at 7:45 PM
A stroll through the gardens from 8:30 PM to 10:50 PM
Final pyrotechnic display from 10:50 PM to 11:15 PM

Practically speaking, the event takes place in the gardens of the Château de Versailles this Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with tickets from 30 euros (free for ages 0 to 3) and online booking highly recommended via the Château de Versailles Spectacles. The route is for strolling without seating, and early evening heat will still be noticeable: bring a water bottle, a hat, and comfortable footwear. To get there, the simplest option is the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, while keeping an eye on the traffic disruptions related to Bastille Day.

A word of caution, though: the organizers reserve the right to cancel at the last minute if the weather demands it, in the context of a red heatwave alert that has already disrupted the fireworks program in the Yvelines (78). The full rundown of which displays are kept or called off can be found in our guide to the fireworks in Paris and Île-de-France.

Who is this evening for? Families, couples, and heritage enthusiasts who want to see Versailles in a new light—provided you enjoy walking and can handle the crowds. July 14 also coincides with France’s World Cup semifinal in the evening: if you care about both, you’ll need to decide, because the gardens are best savored without screens or checking the clock.

Craving more fireworks and standout soirées in Île-de-France? We’ve got you covered with our pick of the feux d'artifice au cœur des châteaux et monuments franciliens, as well as the Fête nationale au Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, with its drone show and candlelit evening.

The Nighttime Fountain Shows 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: Illuminated Fountains and Fireworks!
The Nighttime Fountain Shows will be back in 2026. This enchanting evening walk through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles offers the chance to admire illuminated fountains beautifully lit up, all set to a stunning fireworks display. The shows will take place on Saturday evenings from June 6th to September 19th, 2026. [Read more]

Royal Serenade 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: an immersive journey into the Sun King's courtyard
The Royal Serenade is one of the highlights of summer in the Île-de-France region. This immersive experience transports visitors to the court of the Sun King, offering a glimpse into the leisure activities of the era. The Royal Chapel, the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Apartments of the King and Queen, and even the Royal Court come alive with historical scenes featuring baroque dancers, sword fights, and theatrical sketches. Join us on Saturdays from June 6 to September 19, 2026, as well as on July 14 and August 15, 2026. [Read more]

Why is July 14th a national holiday in France? Origins and history of the national holiday
Every July 14, France celebrates its national holiday! But do you remember exactly what happened in France on July 14, 1789? And do you know how long July 14 has been a public holiday in France? We tell you. [Read more]

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.