PARC DE VERSAILLES – LE BASSIN DE NEPTUNE ET LE JOUR DES GRANDES EAUX

Versailles is huge! People say that you need at least two days to have a good look at the place which is an area of more than 2100 acres. Planning the visit is necessary: a map and a guide at least to create an itinerary ..... and a packed lunch!

The most popular days for tourists will be one of days when the fountains are at their best: 'un jour des grandes eaux'!

A day when all the fountains are orchestrated into water ballet display!

The "grandes eaux" began in 1666 when Louis XIV decided to create spectacular displays around his palace for his guests. He created eight zones around the chateau which were settings for water displays and theatrical entertainments. The sets were created around 32 fountains supplied with water from 30 km of pipeline. It was an early form of 'son et lumière' - baroque music was a key element in each of the displays.

The crowds still flock in for the 'grandes eaux' on Saturdays and Sundays in the high season: this year that means from May 5 to October 26 and on Tuesdays from May 20 to June 24.

"Les samedis et dimanches du 5 avril au 26 octobre 2014, les mardis du 20 mai au 24 juin 2014 ainsi qu'à certaines dates supplémentaires (vendredi 18 avril, jeudi 8 mai, jeudi 29 mai et vendredi 15 août 2014).

Mise en eau les week-ends et jours fériés de 11h à 12h et de 15h30 à 17h (bassin de Neptune de 17h20 à 17h30). Mise en eau les mardis ainsi que le vendredi 18 avril de 11h à 12h et de 14h30 à 16h."

They also do night displays with fireworks on Saturday night from June 21 to September 13!

"Tous les samedis du 21 juin au 13 septembre 2014.

Mise en eau de 20h30 à 22h40. Début du feu d'artifice vers 22h50."

Tickets and bookings are necessary: http://www.chateauversailles.fr/prepare-my-visit-/single/tickets-and-rates/billets-et-tarifs/les-grandes-eaux-1-en

… magique?!

This is a postcard published by N.D. Phot No. 28: Neurdein et Cie (1860’s-1919) Paris, France.