On International Women's Rights Day, the Palace of Versailles is shining a spotlight on women with a series of themed tours from March 3rd to March 8th, 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:
- Influential Women at Versailles
For the general public
Guided tours focusing on the women who shaped the history of the Château and in spaces soon closed to visitors are scheduled during the week of March 3 to 6:
- Free Guided Tour - Behind the Curtains of the King’s Favorites
In celebration of International Women’s Day, explore the private apartments of the royal favorites—who also left their mark on Versailles' history and legend—at no charge. Led by a student from the Louvre School, you will visit the quarters once occupied by Madame de Pompadour and Madame Du Barry, located close to the small apartments of King Louis XV.
Maximum group size: 10 people
Duration: 1 hour
Please note, this tour involves many stairs.
You must have a valid Ticket, on the same day, in addition to your free guided tour ticket—this applies even if you qualify for free entry.
Meet at the North Ministers’ Wing
This tour is free, subject to availability. Free admission is in addition to the entrance fee
- Free Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette in Private
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, visit Marie-Antoinette’s private apartments and discover the intimate life of this tragic French queen. Accompanied by a Louvre School student, explore the recently restored inner chambers on the first floor. An exclusive opportunity to delve into Marie-Antoinette’s passions and lifestyle!
Maximum group size: 10 people
Duration: 1 hour
Please note, this tour involves many stairs.
You must have a valid Ticket, on the same day, in addition to your “Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette in Private” ticket—even if you qualify for free entry.
Meet at the North Ministers’ Wing
This tour is free, subject to availability. Free admission is in addition to the entrance fee
- Guided Tour - Women Around the Queen, Between Service and Friendship
Dames and maiden courtiers, chambermaids, nannies… Several women’s figures orbit around the queen. What roles and places did they hold at court?
€10
- Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon
In 1774, Louis XVI gifted Marie-Antoinette the Petit Trianon, which became her personal kingdom.
€10
- Weekend of March 7-8
Student-led Activities
- Students from the Louvre School will host multiple guided tours over the weekend for groups of 10, highlighting influential women of the Château: Marie-Antoinette, Madame du Barry, Madame de Pompadour.
Several slots will be offered free of charge with prior reservation.
- Theater students from the Conservatoire à rayonnement régional de Versailles – Grand Parc will perform letters and memoirs of notable women linked to Versailles
Saturday, March 7 – starting at 2 p.m.
Lower North Stone Gallery
- In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, the female statues in the Stone Gallery will be brought to life. Students from the Master’s program in “Research and Literary Creation” at the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) will lend their voices to these historical heirs of the Kingdom of France, some forgotten. Legend, history, fiction, and poetry intertwine to honor these women with frozen fates, through verse and prose.
Sunday, March 8, from 2 p.m.
Lower North Stone Gallery.
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.
