Le Roi de Feu at Château de Versailles

To mark the 300 years since the death of Louis XIV, the Château de Versailles is staging a series of events to pay tribute to this most iconic monarch, recreating his fabulous parties and spectacles in some of the most beautiful corners of the palace and gardens. Along with the Grand Bal Masqué, an annual, extravagant costumed romp, and the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, this year introduces a brand new pyrotechnics show, Le Roi de Feu. Taking over the Orangerie garden, it’s a celebration of Versailles and Louis XIV at the height of his reign.

This majestic light and fireworks display will reflect the monarch’s glory, with tableaux reflecting his victories (represented by Mars, the God of War), love of the arts (Apollo, the God of Music) and the absolute power that the French monarch enjoyed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries (Jupiter, King of the Gods ), all topped off with a stunning finale worthy of the sovereign whom remains known as ‘the Sun King’.

Le Roi de Feu at Château de Versailles, July 1-2 & 8-10 at 10pm. Tickets €35-€110. Tel: +33 1 30 83 78 89

From France Today magazine