Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2026: a magical stroll by candlelight

Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte promise a magical moment to share with loved ones. The program includes a nighttime tour by the glow of 2,000 candles, water games, a romantic stroll through the gardens set to Baroque music, and even fireworks if conditions permit! An exceptional experience running from May 16 to September 26, 2026.

Vaux-le-Vicomte has all the makings of a fairytale castle. Every season, this historic site thrills us with a simply magical program. In winter, its Christmas scenography and sound and light show enchant young and old alike. With the arrival of summer, this Ile-de-France château, which inspired Versailles , invites us to enjoy a dreamlike experience with our loved ones.

Welcome to the Evening Candlelight Tours at the Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle. Every Saturday evening from May 16 to September 26, 2026, step into a timeless world that feels like walking through a dream. These nighttime visits invite you to explore this magnificent monument bathed in gentle, subdued lighting. The experience continues as you stroll through the 33 hectares of gardens, illuminated by the warm glow of 2,000 candles.

It’s the quintessential romantic evening. Lulled by baroque music, you stroll through this enchanted setting. For the occasion, water features are set in motion at nightfall in the fountains. Indoors, you can admire the immersive projection on the ceiling of the Grand Salon. Indeed, every entry grants access to a castle tour, which is lit with candles for the occasion. You meander through the castle from 5:30 p.m. before settling down to eat.

You can round off this wonderful experience with a romantic dinner at Charmilles, enjoy a champagne aperitif and macarons at Songe de Vaux, or even have a picnic on the grass in a dedicated spot.

A picnic spread is on offer if you’d like it, and it’s quite comprehensive — we were truly full by the end of the meal. Picnic areas open up on either side of the castle, giving you the choice between grass seating or the garden chairs, as we did.

Note that for an exceptional moment, the dôme de Vaux-le-Vicomte, perched 25 meters above the ground with a 360° view, can be privatized for a romantic dinner. Book now—spots are filling up fast!

This year, the garden again turns into an open-air theatre, where you’ll encounter artists and performances along the winding paths and in the groves. Just before the fireworks display, at 10:15 p.m., visitors will be handed Scintillants to help craft a luminous, magical mural as night falls.

Finally, to close this dreamlike moment, only if the circumstances permit, a fabulous gold-and-silver fireworks display splits the night. During this spectacle, the voice of Jean de La Fontaine, voiced by André Dussollier, takes you back 360 years to relive the August 17, 1661 celebration that has remained in public memory to this day!

During our visit, drones replaced the flames to prevent any fire risk. Depending on weather conditions and other hazards, the program may be adjusted.