You may be familiar with the Château de Vincennes by day, with its stone walls, its Donjon, and its Sainte-Chapelle. From October 15 to November 8, 2026, you can experience it in a whole new way: once night falls, the monument comes alive with light for 16 evenings—on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The program features 15 light and digital installations created by 14 artists and studios from 6 countries, which you can explore at your own pace. For this edition, visitors can also enter the keep’s courtyard, a space made accessible thanks to the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.
A journey where the audience is part of the show
Here, there are no guided tours or set routes: you move freely, from the drawbridge to the keep, for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The festival’s concept is simple: the castle isn’t just a backdrop—it interacts with each artwork. Several installations are interactive and only come to life when you engage with them—whether by holding a flashlight or looking into the camera. It’s sure to entertain both children and adults alike, offering a chance to share a special moment with family, as a couple, or with friends.
Among the works to check out are “48 Pillars” by Bruno Ribeiro, “Seconde Peau 2.0,” an interactive video mapping installation by Candela 550, and “Domus Dolorus,” created by A.I.L.O. for the Donjon courtyard.
A finale featuring the voice of Emmanuelle Devos
The tour culminates with a double finale on the façade of the Pavillon du Roi. First is the historical light-mapping show *From d’Artagnan to Joséphine Baker* by the HAASKR collective, narrated by actress Emmanuelle Devos and based on archives from the Defense Historical Service. Next is *Le Grand Mix*, a musical spectacle by the Inook studio, to bring the evening to a spectacular close.
Practical Information
- When: October 15 through November 8, 2026, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Sessions run from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. through October 24, then from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. from October 25 through November 8.
- Where: Château de Vincennes, avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes (entrance via the Tour du Village only)
- Access: Metro Line 1 (Château de Vincennes station) or RER A (Vincennes station)
- Prices: from €12 to €18; free for children under 6
- Ticket sales: nuitsdelumiere.com or at the ticket window of the Paris Est Marne et Bois Tourist Office (28 avenue de Paris, Vincennes)