Versailles

Can you visit the Pavillon de la Lanterne in Versailles, the presidents’ secret residence?

Just a few hundred meters from the Palace of Versailles hides a residence that very few French have had the chance to glimpse. The Pavilion of the Lantern, once a royal hunting lodge and now a presidential residence, remains one of the most closely guarded corners of French heritage.

Tour de France 2026 arrival: changes announced for several bus routes in Versailles

On July 26, 2026, for the 21st and final stage, the Tour de France will thread through the Yvelines and Hauts-de-Seine before finishing in Paris. With the riders passing through, Île-de-France Mobilités is announcing changes to several bus lines, notably in Versailles. Here’s what to expect this Sunday in this Yvelines town.

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 Versailles City Hall (78): free tours of the landmark.

The Heritage Days 2026 invite you to see Versailles in a new light. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, uncover the secrets of the royal city with an exclusive tour of the Hôtel de Ville, a historic monument and former estate of one of Louis XIV's daughters.

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.

Early closure of the Château de Versailles and its gardens due to the heatwave in July 2026

As the Paris region endures a heatwave, the Palace of Versailles has announced an early closure. Through at least July 12, 2026, the Sun King's domain is adjusting its hours.

Heat wave: the Ironman 70.3 in Versailles canceled, refund terms, postponement?

Another cancellation due to the heatwave. This time, the inaugural Ironman 70.3 at the Château de Versailles has been canceled, with extreme heat forecast for this weekend’s triathlon.

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!

Versailles : relive the drone and fireworks display for American Independence

The Grandes Eaux Nocturnes at the Château de Versailles delivered an exceptional evening on July 4, 2026, with a drone ballet and fireworks to celebrate 250 years of American independence. We were there, and we’re bringing you a pictorial recap of the spectacle.

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.

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.

A charity tournament of rugby, dodgeball and belly-sliding in Versailles this weekend — CANCELLED.

A major charity rally brings together athletes and the public to unite for a good cause around traditional physical feats and quirky competitions. From rugby, dodgeball and belly-slides, watch or take part in this charity tournament, from June 26 to 28, 2026. The event has been cancelled.

Amitié France-Japon : exposition d'art contemporain d'artistes japonais et français à Versailles France–Japan Friendship: Contemporary art exhibition by Japanese and French artists in Versailles

FRANCE-JAPAN FRIENDSHIP celebrates the artistic dialogue between France and Japan. In the prestigious setting of the Carré à la Farine in Versailles, more than 170 contemporary works — paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, photographs and artisanal crafts — attest to the richness of the cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Fête de la Musique 2026: what’s in store for you in Versailles (78)?

This year again, the Yvelines department is getting into the spirit and celebrating World Music Day. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, head to the town of Versailles to soak up a series of eclectic, free concerts along Avenue de Paris.

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.

The Nature & Découvertes Farm in Versailles, a city farm to reconnect with nature

In Versailles, the Nature & Discoveries Farm offers a space devoted to urban agriculture, biodiversity, and knowledge-sharing around natural gardening, just a few minutes from Versailles-Chantiers station.

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.

The city of Versailles celebrates National Day with a firefighters’ ball on July 13.

Among the highlights of Versailles' 2026 Bastille Day celebrations is the traditional Firefighters' Ball, which will run on July 13th until 3 a.m.