Chateau de versailles guide

Fire Nocturnes 2026 at the Château de Versailles: a royal August 15th in the gardens

To experience this August 15, 2026 under a blazing theme, the Château de Versailles returns with its Fire Nocturnes—an stunning garden spectacle, capped by a grand fireworks finale.

Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à Versailles (78) : the full slate of activities

The Heritage Days are back this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, offering a chance to discover the riches of our heritage. We’re heading to Versailles in Yvelines to sample the edition’s highlights, through tours of the Château de Versailles, and also other engaging institutions on the program.

Heritage Days 2026 at the Grand Stables of Versailles (78): free, self-guided visits

The Versailles Equestrian Academy and the Versailles Campuses open the doors to the Grand Stable of the Palace of Versailles for Heritage Days, on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Head here to see the program!

Experience the Versailles Palace fireworks 2026 during the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes on July 14.

The Versailles fireworks display lit up the gardens on July 14, 2026, one of the few to be kept in the Yvelines thanks to an exemption. Scaled back and launched at a lower height for safety reasons, the finale of the Grandes Eaux Nocturnes delivered a striking patriotic spectacle. Here's the story.

Ironman 70.3: a royal triathlon at the Palace of Versailles this summer 2026 — CANCELLED

The city of Versailles was set to host its very first Ironman 70.3. This 113-kilometer triathlon would have athletes swimming in the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, cycling through the Chevreuse Valley, and running through the heart of the Potager du Roi for a spectacular finish facing the Château. Due to the heatwave, the event has unfortunately been cancelled.

The Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles and its sacristies on an exceptional visit this summer, 2026

This summer, the Palace of Versailles will offer an exceptional opening of the Royal Chapel from July 7 to September 27, 2026. A chance to admire its nave, its painted ceiling, its sacristies, its stone marquetry, and many other beauties!

America and Versailles: this weekend's grand historical reenactment in pictures

"L'Amérique et Versailles" transforms the Domaine de Trianon into a vast 18th‑century encampment for July 4 and 5, 2026, and we were on site for day one. From spectacular battles to period dances and courtly life, here are the photo highlights from the opening day of this historical re-enactment.

Six castles with free admission this Sunday, July 5, 2026, around Paris — the first Sunday of the month.

Châteaux of Île-de-France open their doors for free on the first Sunday of every month, and this June is no exception. Here’s a great chance to discover our Île-de-France heritage without spending a penny this Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Running at the Château de Versailles 2026 canceled and postponed due to the heatwave

The Versailles Castle Run, which was scheduled for this Sunday, June 28, 2026 in Yvelines, will not go ahead on the planned date after all. Organizers say the event has been postponed due to the heatwave hitting Île-de-France.

Versailles closed for Trump: what restrictions are in place in Yvelines on June 17?

The Palace of Versailles will close its doors this Wednesday, June 17, 2026, for the state dinner between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump, marking the closing event of the G7 summit in Évian. No parking, road closures and heightened security are upending the town center. If you had planned to pass through Versailles, you may need to rethink your plans. Here’s everything you need to know.

Chez Bonnie in Versailles: a coffee shop and wine bar near the Palace

At Bonnie, you go from morning coffee to an evening glass of wine without changing the vibe. Just steps from the Château de Versailles and the Notre-Dame market, come for a quick bite, take a coffee & pastry break, share charcuterie and cheese boards, or simply enjoy a good glass with friends.

International Day of Castles 2026: the must-see châteaux to visit in Île-de-France

Sunday, July 19, 2026, marks International Castles Day. How will you celebrate? By exploring these magnificent monuments, of course! And we’re lucky: Paris and the Île-de-France region boast some of France’s most stunning castles. Here’s a brief roundup of palaces and royal residences worth a visit this weekend.

World Blood Donor Day: Blood drives at Paris's monuments in June 2026

The French Blood Establishment (EFS) continues to need your blood donations and is launching collection drives across the capital for World Blood Donor Day. Visit the Château de Versailles, the Hôtel de Ville, or Parc des Princes!

Light of Freedom: American Independence in Virtual Reality at the Palace of Versailles

On the occasion of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Château de Versailles invites you to delve into the saga of the American War of Independence and the diplomatic secrets of the Franco-American alliance, through a mixed-reality journey.

Night of Museums 2026 at the Palace of Versailles (Yvelines), the program for the Sun King's estate.

What’s on the agenda for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Château de Versailles? Here’s what’s in store for the 22nd edition, hosted on Saturday, May 23, 2026!

Rendezvous at the Gardens 2026 at the Palace of Versailles: activities on the royal grounds

For Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2026, the Château de Versailles invites us to go green and offers a few activities to discover the richness of the Versailles gardens.

Jardins des Lumières: an exhibition on the art of garden design at the Grand Trianon, Palace of Versailles

At the Grand Trianon of the Palace of Versailles, in Yvelines, the exhibition Jardins des Lumières (1750-1800) delves into the art of the landscape garden through nearly 160 works, including paintings, models, drawings, and furniture. Go see it from May 5 to September 27, 2026, and take the opportunity to explore the Trianon gardens and the Queen's Hamlet.

Everyone to the Opera 2026: Free opening of the Royal Opera at the Palace of Versailles, the program

As part of the annual "Tous à l'Opéra" event, the Royal Opera House opens its doors to you for free this Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to admire this heritage treasure, tucked inside the sublime Palace of Versailles. Here's the program!

A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program

The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France.

The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos

The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château.