This weekend, historic landmarks will shine brilliantly. The Night of Châteaux is making its grand return with a promise as intriguing as it is tempting: stepping through the doors of historic estates once the sun sets. For three days, from October 16 to 18, 2026, around a hundred châteaux and monuments across France invite curious visitors to experience a timeless adventure. A golden opportunity to discover places steeped in history and enjoy a magical atmosphere under the stars.
When heritage reveals itself after nightfall
Behind this event that blends culture and magic, we find Dartagnans, a start-up at the origin of the first French crowdfunding platform
participatory dedicated to heritage preservation. Its goal? To help safeguard historical treasures through donations, while inspiring more people to take an interest in these sometimes overlooked places.View this post on Instagram
And what could be better than a nighttime experience to attract curious minds? With the Night of Châteaux, heritage steps off the beaten path and reveals itself in a whole new light (or rather, a whole new night). We discover buildings brimming with memories, we stroll through gardens lit by candlelight, we soak in the lives of their former inhabitants… Enough to see these old stones from a totally fresh perspective.
Torchlit tours, concerts and illuminations
For this 2026 edition, around a hundred French châteaux and monuments are taking part in the experience. From medieval buildings to elegant estates from the Age of Enlightenment, this getaway promises a real journey through time. On the agenda? Torchlit tours, shows, concerts, candlelit dinners, unique walks and all sorts of dazzling light displays. In short, a whole host of activities to discover these places in a whole new way and enjoy an evening that's truly out of the ordinary.
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In the Île-de-France region, two stops are particularly worth noting: the Dampierre-en-Yvelines Estate, in the Yvelines, and the Villiers Castle, in Val-d'Oise. The perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little enchanted break without having to head to the other end of the country.
The Night of Châteaux
October 16-18, 2026
More info and schedule