Des Flammes à la Lumière
Europe's largest sound and light show on the Great War 14-18
About Des Flammes à la Lumière
Europe's largest sound and light show on 14-18
Des Flammes à la Lumière is an event show that takes place every summer in the former Haudainville quarries, a historic site at the gates of Verdun, in the Meuse region. Since 1996, this grandiose sound and light show has offered a particularly moving historical evocation of the Battle of Verdun and the Great War 14-18, recognized as the largest show in Europe dedicated to the First World War.
60 scenes between shadow and light
The show unfolds in 60 scenes that retrace the intertwined destinies of soldiers and civilians, French and German, from the carefree Belle Époque to the outbreak of war in 1914, from the hell of the trenches to the terrible Battle of Verdun in 1916, from the Armistice of November 11, 1918, to reconstruction and Franco-German reconciliation. The scenes alternate between deeply moving moments of humanity, striking war tableaux, and sequences of hope, culminating in a universal message of peace. The show ends on a luminous note: that of reconciliation between peoples and the construction of Europe.
A spectacular staging
The sheer scale of the show matches the historical event it commemorates:
- Nearly 300 volunteer actors on stage, from all over the Grand Est region and beyond
- 900 meticulously recreated period costumes, from military uniforms to Belle Époque civilian attire
- 1,300 projectors that sculpt light in the vast open-air quarry
- Archival footage projected onto the stone walls, blending historical testimonies and artistic creation
- Impressive special effects: pyrotechnic explosions, smoke machines, immersive sound, and monumental video projections
- A spatialized soundtrack mixing original music, period songs, poilus' accounts, and realistic soundscapes
The Haudainville quarries: a stone setting steeped in history
The show takes place in the former Haudainville lime kilns quarries, a remarkable geological and industrial site located at the southern entrance of Verdun. These quarries, which served as a refuge and cantonment for soldiers during the Great War, offer a natural setting of exceptional evocative power. The high limestone walls form a natural amphitheater that amplifies the emotional impact of the show and immerses the audience in a total experience.
The Connaissance de la Meuse association
The show is entirely driven by the association Connaissance de la Meuse, recognized as being of general interest, which has been working for decades to promote the heritage of the Meuse region. Nearly a thousand volunteers mobilize each year to bring this extraordinary show to life: actors, technicians, costume designers, stage managers, and reception and logistics volunteers. This collective human adventure is at the heart of the show''s identity, making each performance a unique moment of sharing and memory transmission.
A living act of remembrance
More than just a show, Des Flammes à la Lumière is a true act of remembrance that touches all generations. By staging history with humanity and without bias, by showing the shared suffering of both sides, the show carries a universal message of peace and fraternity. Since its creation in 1996, it has moved over 600,000 spectators from all over France and Europe, contributing to the historical and tourist radiance of Verdun and the Meuse region.
Des Flammes à la Lumière — edition 2026
For its 30th anniversary edition, Des Flammes à la Lumière takes place from June 26th to August 1st, 2026, at the Haudainville quarries in Verdun. Twelve performances spread over six weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) bring to life the Great War and the Battle of Verdun in Europe's largest sound and light show about 14-18, featuring nearly 300 volunteer actors, 900 costumes, 1,300 projectors, and monumental pyrotechnic effects.
Des Flammes à la Lumière — 2026 Edition: The Show's 30th Anniversary
Des Flammes à la Lumière returns for its 30th edition from June 26th to August 1st, 2026, at the Haudainville quarries. The show is presented over 12 evenings spread across six weekends: June 26-27, July 3-4, July 10-11, July 17-18, July 24-25, and July 31-August 1, 2026.
For this anniversary edition marking the show's 30 years, nearly 300 volunteer actors from the Connaissance de la Meuse association bring to life 60 tableaux (presented in 17 scenes) tracing the epic story of the Great War, from the Belle Époque to Franco-German reconciliation, within the magnificent setting of the ancient Haudainville quarries. Pyrotechnic effects, monumental projections, 900 costumes, 1,300 projectors, and an immersive soundtrack accompany this journey through history, before an audience that now exceeds 645,000 cumulative spectators since 1996.
The show begins at nightfall; it is advisable to be on site from 10 PM. Duration: approximately 1h20. Reservation highly recommended, online ticketing open. Show accessible from 10 years old.
Programme Des Flammes à la Lumière 2026
Calendar of 12 Performances 2026
The show is presented every Friday and Saturday evening, at nightfall, over six consecutive weekends:
- Friday, June 26th and Saturday, June 27th, 2026
- Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th, 2026
- Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th, 2026
- Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th, 2026
- Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th, 2026
- Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Evening Schedule
- Site gates open: 7:00 PM
- Gates close for public entry: 10:00 PM (must be on site before this time)
- Show starts: at nightfall
- Duration: approximately 1h20
The show unfolds in 60 tableaux organized into 17 scenes, tracing the intertwined destinies of combatants and civilians, French and German, from the Belle Époque to the Armistice of November 11, 1918, then to reconstruction and reconciliation. On site: Belle Époque and Prestige menus offered before the performance (packages with drinks included).
Highlights Des Flammes à la Lumière 2026
- 30th anniversary edition of Europe's largest sound and light show on the Great War 14-18
- Dates: from June 26th to August 1st, 2026 — 12 performances over six weekends (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Nearly 300 volunteer actors, 900 costumes, 1,300 projectors, 60 tableaux in 17 scenes
- Pyrotechnic effects, monumental projections, and immersive soundtrack at the Haudainville quarries
- Show at nightfall (be on site from 10 PM), duration approximately 1h20, accessible from 10 years old
- Online ticketing open; Belle Époque (29 €) and Prestige (50 €) menus available on site
Prices Des Flammes à la Lumière 2026
Practical information — Des Flammes à la Lumière
Show Location
The show takes place at the Carrières d'Haudainville, located at the southern entrance to Verdun, on the Nancy/Metz road (A4 motorway exit "Verdun").
Address: Carrières d'Haudainville, 55100 Verdun
Dates and Times
The show is presented every summer, with 12 performances spread over 6 weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) between late June and early August. Site gates open at 7:00 PM; public entry closes at 10:00 PM (it is advisable to be on site by 10:00 PM). The show then begins at nightfall. Duration: approximately 1h20. Show accessible from 10 years old.
Indicative Prices (2026 edition)
- Standard Seating — Adult: 26 € (pre-sale 21 €)
- Standard Seating — Youth (10-15 years): 18 € (pre-sale 15 €)
- Golden Square Seating — Adult: 35 € (pre-sale 27 €)
- Golden Square Seating — Youth (10-15 years): 23 € (pre-sale 19 €)
- Job seeker / student / PRM: reduced rate depending on seating area
- Family packages (2 adults + 2 youths) and on-site catering menus available
Pre-sale prices offered until May 2nd. Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the editions; consult the official website for current prices.
Ticketing and Reservations
- Online: at spectacle-verdun.com (secure ticketing)
- By phone: 03 29 84 50 00 (Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 12 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM)
- By mail: Connaissance de la Meuse — Carrières d'Haudainville — 55100 Verdun
Access
- By car: A4 motorway exit "Verdun", then follow directions for Verdun-Centre / Nancy. The site is signposted at the southern entrance to the city. Free parking on site (approx. 2,000 spaces).
- By train: Verdun SNCF station (Meuse TGV line — Verdun by shuttle, or TER from Metz/Châlons-en-Champagne). Plan for a taxi or carpooling from the station.
- GPS coordinates: 49.1265° N, 5.4200° E
Practical Advice
- The show takes place outdoors: bring warm clothing even in summer (evenings can be cool in the quarries)
- Seats are numbered with shell-shaped chairs
- Refreshment stand and catering on site before the show (Belle Époque and Prestige menus)
- The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility (contact the ticket office to reserve adapted spaces)
Contact
- Phone: 03 29 84 50 00
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: spectacle-verdun.com
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Where does it take place — Des Flammes à la Lumière
Carrières d'Haudainville
Carrières d'Haudainville, 55100 Verdun, 55100 Verdun