I heard there is show on certain nights during the summer at Versailles in which the fountains are lit up, music and fireworks. Has anyone experienced this? I would like some details/opinions about it to determine if it is worth going. I did check the website and the show starts well after the castle closes, so I do not believe we can tour the chateau and see the show on the same day. How long is the show? Would it appeal to young children? (We have 9 and 6 year olds). There are several price categories for tickets. Does it matter where you sit? Any info would be appreciated.

It's not exactly a son et lumière but what the French call a "spectacle." We went once and had a wonderful time. The events take place at the Neptune Fountain, and you sit in bleachers to watch the 2-3 hour show, which includes really fabulous fireworks at the end: about 45 minutes' worth, with music. Our program included a historical pageant, dancing from members of the Paris Opera Ballet, a fencing duel, and people walking about in period costumes. It was great. We saw people of all ages, and the kids seemed to be having a terrific time.

We arrived with tickets for the cheaper seats but immediately changed them for better ones; so yes, it does make a difference where you sit.

I thought Versailles was a pleasant enough little town to wander. I had a very nice lunch just a few meters from one of the chateau side entrances.

Perhaps you could visit the chateau in the afternoon, have dinner in Versailles then attend the Son et Lumiere.

Of course it's always a different ballgame with young children.

For more information:

http://www.bonjourparis.com/pages/ol...articleId=2166

If you visit the palace in the afternoon and then have dinner somewhere in the town, you'd be right on schedule for the spectacle.

Thank you all so much for the advice. We are going to reserve the tickets.

Have a wonderful time! The French really know how to put on a spectacle.

Where can I get information about this show?

We are a family of 4 travelling to Paris from July 16 to July 21 and are very interested in this spectacle, but cannot find any info anywhere.

Where do you buy tickets?

In addition, I am confused by the different charges for different things to see in Versailles. What are the best things to see or do at the Palace?

Anna

The web site is confusing. Last time I went to Versailles the best thing I did was the guided tours of the Kings' and Queen's apartments. Each tour was 1.5 hours. It's not clear if there are still 2 different tours or if there is 1 tour that combines both apartments. My thought is that since there are tours of varying lengths then with the 2 hour tour you'll see both apartments.

When you get there (go early) go immediately to Door D (on the left side of the Chateau) and see what they're offering for guided tours. They were only given at specified times. We did 1 tour in the morning, ate lunch, and then did the other tour in the early afternoon. After the guided tours we did the State Apartments with audio. You'll have time for the gardens after that. The State Apartments were not as crowded in the later afternoon since many tour buses had left by then.

I clicked on "Shows" on the web site but it doesn't seem to be working. I also tried the calendar but that did come up with anything either.

The site underhill suggests didn't have any information spectacles either.

There is an email address for the Chateau:

[email protected]

Try this link:

http://uk.franceguide.com/magazine/a...&idc=11851

Or this:

http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tou...versailles.htm

I just looked at this site, and there's information on the spectacles. The telephone numbers should prove useful.