On International Women's Rights Day, the Palace of Versailles is dedicating a series of themed visits to celebrate women, alongside a special violet illumination of the castle from March 3 to 8, 2026.
March 8th is a special day recognized worldwide, including in France. The International Women's Rights Day was officially acknowledged by the United Nations in 1977, although many countries had been celebrating it since the early 20th century. This day serves to raise awareness and honor the ongoing fight for gender equality and women's rights across the globe. It’s a time to remember historical struggles, the rights that have been achieved, and those still to be won.
Every year, on March 8, several events are organized in France and around the world. Demonstrations, strikes, rallies, but also celebrations: this day is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on women, whether artists, activists, inventors, scientists, politicians...
In Paris and the Île-de-France region, a wide range of events are planned. Not least at the Château de Versailles, which celebrates women in its own way.
In celebration of International Women's Day, the Versailles Palace is hosting a series of themed tours from March 3 to March 8, 2026. This week is dedicated to influential women who left their mark on French history and the history of the château. It’s a great opportunity to rediscover these iconic figures, whether queens and princesses, artists, painters, singers, or musicians... Be sure to book your visit in advance.
Here's the schedule for the event:
- Women of Influence at Versailles
For the General Public
Guided tours centered on influential women in the Château and in spaces soon to be closed to visitors are scheduled during the week of March 3 to 6:
- Free Guided Tour - With the Queen's Favorites
In recognition of International Women's Rights Day, visitors can explore the apartments of royal favorites for free, uncovering the stories behind these women who made history and legends at Versailles. Accompanied by a student from the Louvre School, you'll visit the quarters once occupied by Madame de Pompadour and Madame Du Barry, just steps from King Louis XV’s private rooms.
Maximum group size: 10
Duration: 1 hour
Please note, this route involves many stairs.
You must present an entrance ticket on the same day, in addition to the free guided tour ticket « With the Queen's Favorites » (this applies even if you qualify for free entry).
Meeting point: North Minister’s Wing
This tour is available free of charge, subject to availability. The free offer is in addition to the standard entry fee.
- Free Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette in Private
In honor of International Women’s Rights Day, explore Marie-Antoinette’s private apartments for free and gain insight into the private life of this tragically fated French queen. Led by a Louvre School student, you'll tour the recently restored first floor of her chambers. A rare opportunity to discover her personal tastes and daily life!
Maximum group size: 10
Duration: 1 hour
Please note, this route also involves many stairs.
You must hold an entry ticket on the same day, plus the « Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette in Private » ticket (including if you have free admission).
Meeting point: North Minister’s Wing
This tour is offered free of charge, subject to availability. The free offer is in addition to the entry fee.
- Guided Tour - Women Around the Queen, Between Service and Friendship
Dames and noblewomen of the court, chambermaids, nannies… several notable women were close to the queen. What roles did they play at court?
Cost: €10
- Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon
In 1774, Louis XVI gifted Marie-Antoinette the Petit Trianon, turning it into her personal kingdom.
Cost: €10
- Weekend of March 7-8
Student-led Activities
- Students from the Louvre School will offer several guided tours over the two days for groups of up to 10, focusing on influential women of the Château: Marie-Antoinette, Madame du Barry, Madame de Pompadour. Multiple time slots will be available, with free reservations required.
- Theatre students from the Versailles - Grand Parc Regional Conservatory will perform letters and memoirs of various historic women of Versailles on Saturday, March 7, from 2 PM, in the North Lower Stone Gallery.
- On International Women’s Rights Day, March 8, 2026, the female statues in the stone gallery will come to life. Master’s students in Literary Research and Creativity from the University of Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) will lend their voices to these royal heirs—some forgotten. Myth, history, fiction, and poetry intertwine to honor these women whose destinies have been frozen in time, expressed through verse and prose.
Sunday, March 8, from 2 PM
North Lower Stone Gallery
- In celebration of International Women’s Rights Day, the Palace of Versailles will be illuminated in violet—the iconic color of feminism—on the evenings of March 7, 8, and 9, starting at 6:30 PM.
Discover Versailles' stunning château through a female-centered lens, and also take the opportunity to explore other events happening this March 8, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France.
