15th International Fireworks Competition
12-14 June 2008, Chantilly, Northern France

Don’t miss this spectacular competition that takes place every two years in the grounds of Chantilly’s magnificent Château, just north of Paris. This is a world-class event, with nations competing from all corners of the globe. 2008 sees nine competitors vying for the much coveted ‘bouquet d’or’ prize. It attracts well over 100,000 spectators. So, book early in order not to be disappointed! (see below for how to book)

This year’s theme is "painting" – reflecting the fact that the Princes of Condé, who built and owned Chantilly, were avid art collectors. Today Chantilly’s Musée Condé houses France’s second most important collection of masterpieces – some 8,000 paintings and 4,000 sketches, objets d’art and ancient books.

Chantilly’s tradition of fantastical fireworks displays dates back to 1672 when France’s Dauphin (heir to the throne) was welcomed at Chantilly. It took nearly three centuries to establish (in 1987) a fireworks festival at Chantilly, which led to the setting up of the biennial international competition.

Competitors are allowed free expression of their pyrotechnic skills although certain criteria are set including the location, length of time (14 minutes each), the theme and music; the music chosen for 2008 is an extract from Ravel’s Daphne & Chloe; the theme: "fireworks – painting the sky".

The Chateau of Chantilly is one of the most spectacular in France, with magnificent formal gardens (laid out by Le Nôtre who also designed those of Versailles) and surrounded by a moat. Today’s chateau dates back in part to the 16th-century, and in part to the 17th- and 18th-centuries. Its magnificent stables are today the Living Horse Museum (Musée Vivant du Cheval), close to which is Chantilly’s famous racecourse. Chantilly itself is one of the most charming and elegant little towns in northern France.

 

Practical information

Getting there: Chantilly is 268km from Dunkirk and the journey time is about two and a half hours. More information here.

Timetable

  • 8pm
    The gates open. Gates close at 9pm to allow everyone to be settled in before the displays begin. Remember to bring some warm clothing with you.
  • 9.30pm
    The ‘warm up’ fireworks display starts
  • 10.45pm
    The international pyrotechnics competition
  • 12.15am
    End

 

To book online, click here

View prices here

For more information on the international fireworks competition visit www.nuitsdefeu.com (only in French).