For International Women's Day, the Palace of Versailles is celebrating women with a series of guided tours and a violet illumination of the château. The festivities will run until March 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 exploring the stories of influential women associated with the Château, including some areas soon to be closed to visitors, will be offered during the week of March 3 to 6:
Free Guided Tour - The Favorites of the King In celebration of International Women’s Rights Day, visitors can tour the royal favorites’ apartments free of charge—spaces that are part of Versailles’ rich history and legend. Accompanied by a student from the Louvre School, discover the residences of Madame de Pompadour and Madame Du Barry, located just steps from King Louis XV’s private chambers. Max group size: 10 Duration: 1 hour Please note, this route involves many stairs. A valid ticket for the same day is required, in addition to your “Free Guided Tour - The Favorites of the King” ticket (even if you hold free entry rights). Meet at the North Ministers’ Wing This tour is free subject to availability. Free admission is in addition to the entry fee.
Free Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette in Privacy Celebrating International Women’s Rights Day, explore the private apartments of Marie-Antoinette free of charge and gain insight into the intimate life of this tragically fated Queen of France. Led by a Louvre School student, walk through the recently restored first floor of her private chambers. A rare opportunity to discover her life and tastes! Max group size: 10 Duration: 1 hour Please note, this route involves many stairs. A valid ticket for the same day, in addition to your “Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette in Privacy” ticket (even if you have free entry rights), is mandatory. Meet at the North Ministers’ Wing This tour is free subject to availability. Free admission is in addition to the entry fee.
Guided Tour - The Women Around the Queen, Between Service and Friendship Ladies and maids of honor, chambermaids, nannies… Several female figures moved within the Queen’s circle. What roles and positions did they hold at court? €10
Guided Tour - Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon In 1774, Louis XVI gifted Marie-Antoinette the Petit Trianon, turning the domain into her personal kingdom. €10
Weekend of March 7–8 Student-led Activities
Students from the Louvre School will lead various guided visits for groups of 10, focusing on influential women of Versailles: Marie-Antoinette, Mme du Barry, and Madame de Pompadour. Multiple free slots will be available, but reservations are required in advance.
Actors from the Versailles Regional Conservatory’s Theatre Department will perform letters and memoirs of several notable women linked to Versailles. Saturday, March 7 – starting at 2 p.m. North Lower Stone Gallery.
In celebration of International Women’s Rights Day on March 8, 2026, the female statues in the Pierre Gallery will come to life. Master’s students in Literary Research and Creation at the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) will lend their voices to these forgotten heirs of the Kingdom of France. Legend, history, fiction, and poetry intertwine to honor these women, frozen in time, through spoken word and verse. Sunday, March 8, from 2 p.m. North Lower Stone Gallery.
In honor of International Women’s Rights Day, the Château will be lit in violet—feminism’s signature color—on the evenings of March 7, 8, and 9, starting at 6:30 p.m.
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.
