The Light Odyssey at the Floral Park: Last Days of the Experience with a Drone Show

Looking for a beautiful walk this holiday season? The Luminous Odyssey awaits you at the Paris Floral Park, in the 12th arrondissement. This third edition promises an even more spectacular experience than before. Until January 11, 2026, Francesco Bouglione and his team are rolling out a stunning light show that will turn the park into a magical kingdom, featuring no less than 1,000 large lanterns spread across five hectares. This year’s exhibits include entirely new worlds—from the icy Great North to the mysterious jungle, and the poetic Japan. Simply put, it’s a feast for the eyes.

Just imagine the scene: you walk through a majestic gate over fifteen meters high, and suddenly everything changes. The Parc Floral is transformed into an enchanted theater as night falls. This green corner of the Bois de Vincennes lights up to offer us an immersive walk that is completely timeless. We stroll past a field of luminous fiber optic wheat, dream in front of fantastical creatures, and travel to exotic lands without leaving Paris. The sculptures made of wire and colored silk come to life before our eyes, and we almost forget that it's the middle of winter.

Which artworks should you explore during the Luminous Odyssey?

The Luminous Odyssey features around twenty brand new themed scenes. On the program: legendary dragons that are sure to impress, 300 glowing hearts beating in the night (yes, 300!), and an African savannah populated by nearly 200 animals. Wildebeests, rhinos, and elephants gather to cheer Simba on his rock, just like in The Lion King. We'll also encounter mischievous lemurs that can't sit still and majestic, life-size orcas that seem to dive in and out of the water. The effect is truly breathtaking.

Among the scenes that already have us salivating, we've spotted Farm Animals Gone Wild. Imagine a crazy cartoon where pigs play music hall stars and drive their audience wild. We love the concept. The program includes giant daisies that plunge us straight into the world of Chicken Run. And then La Banquise, with its polar bears, penguins, and igloos, will send shivers down our spines in a fairytale atmosphere that goes perfectly with the northern lights.

The journey continues to dreamlike lands. Japan charms us with its samurai, cherry blossoms, and traditional lanterns. Be sure to look up so you don't miss the playful squirrels leaping from branch to branch. And believe us, around every corner, you'll find a new luminous surprise.

What’s new at the 2025-2026 Luminary Odyssey?

Good news: this year, we get to enjoy a drone show! It’s the biggest novelty. Three times each evening—at 6:45 pm, 7:45 pm, and 8:45 pm—these tiny machines take to the skies above the Floral Park for about twelve minutes. The drone display will recreate the same scenes as those on the ground, like the Arctic or the African savannah. The performance is organized by Stellair and is included with your ticket. Just a heads-up: it all depends on the weather. If it’s pouring or too windy, the little robots won’t take off.

The Northern Lights are also back this year. Gilbert Weiser, the king of lights who cut his teeth in the circus, has taken on a daunting challenge: recreating this natural phenomenon in the heart of Paris. With an ultra-powerful laser and a computer specially designed for the occasion, the result is breathtaking. The sky above the Parc Floral lights up as if we were in Lapland. And the best part? It's visible continuously throughout the evening, so there's no need to wait for a specific time.

Another highlight is Alberto Leone's giant bubble show. This true artist of magic makes huge luminous bubbles dance and mingle with the lanterns. It's poetic, it's suspended, it's downright beautiful. There are three performances per evening at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:15 p.m., so you won't miss it.

And the icing on the cake: this year, the Odyssée Lumineuse is enhanced by ashadow puppet show by The Black Fingers. This French duo, Myriam and Réginald, are world-renowned for their talent in ombromania, the ancient art of creating shadows with your hands. Their performance fits perfectly with the luminous world of the trail and adds a really cool dimension to the experience.

Did you know? How are the lanterns for the Odyssey of Light made?

Behind each lantern is a real story and a lot of hard work. Francesco Bouglione discovered this art during a trip to the famous Zigong Lantern Festival in Sichuan Province, China. It was love at first sight. Each wire and silk sculpture is a work of art in its own right. For three years now, Chinese artisans have been traveling to Vierzon, to the Bouglione family's warehouse, to craft these monumental pieces. Gone are the 50 40-foot containers shipped from China; we have moved on to a true Franco-Chinese collaboration on site.

How does it work? Around sixty Chinese artisans, who have mastered this ancestral craft, join the French team. A total of 80 people are working together over three months, in three stages: first the ironwork, then the electricity, and finally the gluing and painting of the fabrics. The iron bars are twisted and welded by hand, and little by little, the sculpture takes shape. It is then covered with a special weather-resistant silk. It's impressive to see.

Here are a few figures to give you an idea of the scale of the event: 8 kilometers of silk in every color imaginable have been unrolled, cut, and glued; 30 tons of metal have been used to create the sculptures; and 50 kilometers of electrical cables power the 1,000 lanterns, some of which are 17 meters high. And the eco-friendly aspect of it all? All the lights are LEDs, and for five hectares and 1,100 sculptures, the consumption remains equivalent to that of a 70-square-meter apartment. Not bad, right?

How long does the Luminous Odyssey tour last?

Allow about 1.5 hours to take a leisurely stroll and fully enjoy this 2-kilometer nighttime walk. The route takes you to the edge of the lake, under trees draped in light, along paths that wind through the park. During this time, you can completely disconnect. There is no strict theme, the idea is really to explore one fabulous world after another, with discoveries for all tastes and all ages.

The route follows the natural paths of the park and plays with the topography: wooded areas, clearings, winding trails... everything is designed for a smooth stroll. The atmosphere? Magical, with this winter night enhanced by soft, environmentally friendly lights. Another plus: the route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, so you can bring the whole family without any hassle. Be sure to wear good sneakers, though, as you'll want to explore the entire park at night.

What are the opening hours and prices for the Odyssée Lumineuse at the Parc Floral?

The Luminous Odyssey welcomes you from November 19, 2025, to January 11, 2026. The park opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m. However, please note that the park is closed on certain Mondays and Tuesdays. These are November 24, December 1, 8, and 15, and January 5 for Mondays, and November 25, December 2, 9, and 16, and January 6 for Tuesdays. During school holidays, the good news is that it is open every day. Outside of school holidays, we are open from Wednesday to Sunday.

In terms of budget, expect to pay €13 for adults, €11 for children aged 3 to 12, and €10 for students and job seekers (upon presentation of proof, only on site). Children under 3 and people with reduced mobility can enter free of charge. New for 2025: the undated "Open" ticket for €18 for adults and €16 for children. Very handy if you don't yet know which evening suits you best.

We really recommend booking your tickets online to avoid queuing, especially on weekends and during school holidays. You can show your ticket directly on your phone via QR Code, no need to print it. On site, a snack bar offers hot dogs, fries, and churros if you get hungry along the way.

How to get to the Odyssée Lumineuse at the Parc Floral?

The good news is that it's very easy to get to. The entrance is through the main gate on the Château de Vincennes side. By metro, take line 1 towards Château de Vincennes and get off at the stop of the same name. Then it's about a ten-minute walk. By bus, lines 46 and 112 will drop you off directly at the "Parc Floral" stop. For those coming by car, there is a public car park nearby, on the Bois de Vincennes side.

The Parc Floral, located on Route de la Pyramide in the 12th arrondissement, is truly an exceptional green space in eastern Paris. Usually, people come here for its themed gardens and playground, but at nightfall, it becomes a whole new world. Just a stone's throw from the Château de Vincennes and the Cartoucherie, the place is transformed into an enchanted kingdom that makes us completely forget our daily lives.

In short, if you're looking for a great idea for the holiday season,the Luminous Odyssey ticks all the boxes. Whether it's for a family outing with a difference, a romantic evening with a difference, or just a fun time with friends, this nighttime stroll promises to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Combining the tradition of Chinese lanterns with modern drone technology, it's guaranteed to delight all ages. So put on your warm coat and waterproof shoes, don't forget your gloves, and let's go and discover this light show that will brighten up ourwinterevenings!

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.