Visitors who were planning to spend Saturday afternoon in Louis XIV’s apartments or stroll along the paths laid out by André Le Nôtre will have to rethink their plans. The Palace of Versailles, in the Yvelines (78), has announced an exceptional closure on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in connection with a new day of protests scheduled across France. The famous landmark will be open only in the morning, until noon, before closing its doors as a precaution. The decision was made to ensure the safety of visitors and staff amid heightened tensions surrounding the demonstrations.
The closure affects more than just the palace. The gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the park will also close from 1 p.m., depriving visitors of their usual Saturday outing. The Trianon Estate, which includes the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet, will be closed all day. The restrictions therefore affect a large part of the royal estate, which is usually very busy during the Toussaint school holidays.
There is good news, however, for those who have already booked a morning visit: the château will admit ticket holders until noon, with doors set to open at 9 a.m. Please note that all time slots are fully booked and no additional tickets will be sold on site. Those who booked for the afternoon will automatically receive a refund, according to information provided by the venue. There is therefore no point in showing up without a reservation, even for a quick visit.
The closure comes as several major cultural institutions in the Paris region have also announced access restrictions for Saturday, October 24, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and several Parisian sites. Tourists and residents of the Paris region alike are therefore advised to check opening arrangements before setting out. The Palace of Versailles encourages visitors to consult its official website for the latest information about their visit.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Location
Palace of Versailles
Château de Versailles
78000 Versailles
Route planner
Accessibility info















