Light of Freedom: American Independence in Virtual Reality at the Palace of Versailles

As part of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Palace of Versailles is rolling out experiences to let you live this era as if you were there, notably with a new immersive experience in réalité mixte, blending the real surroundings with interactive virtual elements. From June 23, 2026, discover the major moments of the American War of Independence and the Franco-American alliance at the heart of the Pavillon d’Orléans.

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Charge 7 euros to dive into this creation developed by the Château de Versailles in collaboration with Yalla.Digital Inc. and produced with First Step Productions, rolled out across several rooms of the pavilion and in the South Wing of the palace. Open to ages 8 and up, in French and English, the experience offers an immersive, about 13-minute stroll, guided by the voice of the Marquis de Lafayette.

You will traverse the pivotal chapters that gave birth to the United States: the Enlightenment ideals, the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic mission in Versailles, Louis XVI’s backing of the American insurgents, and the military campaigns that culminated in the Yorktown victory of 1781.

Watch the meeting between Franklin and the Versailles court, follow the military strategies of the Count de Rochambeau and Admiral de Grasse, and experience the Siege of Yorktown from the inside, alongside French and American troops. The audience is also invited to manipuler des objets historiques, explore animated maps, command a fleet, or board an 18th-century frigate.

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. [Read more]