About an hour’s drive from Paris, the castle of Blandy-les-Tours will host the 2026 edition of Lumières de Blandy. The program for this show, performed every weekend, features monumental projections, light displays, actors, and 800 years of history brought to life at nightfall.
A fortified castle that takes on a completely different look after dark
By day, Blandy-les-Tours already has all the hallmarks of a classic fortified castle: ramparts, towers, a parapet walk, a large inner courtyard, and that medieval silhouette visible from afar. But in the summer, once night falls, the scene takes on a whole new dimension.
With “Lumières de Blandy—L’Héritage des Vicomtes,” the castle walls become a massive open-air screen. Projections cover the facades, lights trace the contours of the stone, and actors bring the story to life.
The 2026 edition returns with an enhanced version of the show. The set design has been reworked, certain scenes have been rearranged, the visual effects have been enhanced, and the actors play a more prominent role in the narrative.
A perfect summer outing for a change of pace from Parisian evenings
The show tells the story of the castle and its former owners, the Viscounts of Melun, spanning several centuries. It covers feudalism, wars, and the castle’s transformations, but without veering into a history lesson. The format remains accessible, visual, and family-friendly, with a pace designed to captivate both adults and children alike.
Another highlight is that the evening doesn’t start just when the show begins. The castle opens at 8:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to arrive at your leisure, enjoy the setting, stroll through the courtyard, and check out the activities planned before the screening.
For Parisians looking for a different kind of outing in July or August, Blandy checks quite a few boxes: it’s close by, offers a change of scenery, is easy to explore, and is spectacular. You can get out of Paris without going on a full weekend getaway, yet still come away with the genuine feeling of having changed surroundings.
In short, it’s a great outing to enjoy the long summer evenings in a different way than on a Parisian terrace.
📍Location: Lumières de Blandy 2026 – Château de Blandy-les-Tours
📆 Dates: Every Friday and Saturday evening, from July 3 to August 29, 2026