Château de Versailles Spectacles
Hi friends,
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to the Château de Versailles Spectacles; specifically, for the Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes show which featured a dancing fire show, fireworks, and best of all, a baroque costume theme.
When I first arrived in Paris, I went to Versailles with my mom and marveled at the great Hall of Mirrors, luxurious parlors, and seemingly endless gardens. I remember seeing the advertisement for the firework show at Versailles in the summertime and I told myself I’d probably never go to something so crowded. But with the suggestion of my friend Ivana, I couldn’t resist going knowing full well it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to dress up.
Between my friends and I, we didn’t have enough time to rent costumes so I looked for accessories I could wear to elevate my outfit. In the end, I found a simple white flower crown and embroidered fan at a weddings store nearby which paired perfectly with my vintage Italian leather loafer heels that I recently thrifted for 8€. I really wanted to wear a long dress or gown, but since I’d have to take two metros and an RER (similar to a train) to take me outside of the city, I opted for my two favorite For Love & Lemons pieces: a white bustier top with a ruffled column skirt. Though I know my outfit wasn’t exactly historically accurate, I thought it bustier at least mirrored the baroque period.
It was a struggle to walk in my skirt through the metros of Paris to get to the golden gates of Versailles, but eventually I made it. My friends were all waiting for me dressed in their fanciest outfits and we spent the evening walking through the gardens. It was still fairly warm so my fan was not just a prop that evening.
As golden hour hit the palace, I felt transported into a scene out of Bridgerton. Many people came in proper 18th century style outfits consisting of corsets, men’s stockings, wigs, petticoats, and lots of lace. Even though I was’t wearing many layers, I was sweating through my outfit. I imagine if I was dressed in the proper period ensemble, I would have quickly fainted.
The mood and energy of the event was romantic and friendly. Couples, families, kids, and people from all walks of life came to enjoy the event. We eventually found a place on the floor to sit in anticipation of the firework show.
Synchronized to classical baroque style music, the fireworks and fire cannons bursted into the night sky like glitter being thrown into the sky. It was pure magic. There was a sense of fantasy in the air as the firework show crescendoed into bursts of colors and light. Time felt as if it was slowing down and speeding up at the same time as I hoped this moment would last forever.
As we walked away from the palace, some people stayed behind to enjoy a show and dancing in the ballroom. The palace was light up from every corner like a vision of heaven and I was so grateful for this special evening with my friends.
I already know next year I’ll be back and now I have plenty of time to figure out a costume for the ball.
À bientôt!
Kiana