These rooms, which were created during the reign of Louis-Philippe, between 1837 and 1847, on the site of the former courtiers’ apartments, display some of the collection of historic paintings at Versailles, depicting the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the Consulate (1799-1804). The Chimay Attic, located above the Queen’s apartments, is thought to be named after Marie-Antoinette’s last lady-in-waiting, who is said to have lived in these spaces just prior to the Revolution.
Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Belley, elected deputy for Saint-Domingue© EPV / Thomas Garnier
Informations
Exceptionally, this space will be open during the Christmas and New Year holidays, from Saturday 21 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025, during normal Palace opening hours.
A political project
The Napoleonic collections are now displayed in several spaces in the Palace: in the Coronation Room, which showcases Napoleon’s accession to the Empire; in the “Revolution, Consulate and Empire” Rooms on the ground floor of the South Wing, which present some of the most significant moments of his accession and reign in the political, military and diplomatic spheres; and in the Gallery of Great Battles. The Chimay and South Attics house other works depicting the Napoleonic story, supplemented by a number of portraits of the Emperor’s entourage and the society of his day.
Access
Stucco staircase © EPV / Thomas Garnier
On the advice of his architect, Frédéric Nepveu, Louis-Philippe had a staircase built leading from the landing of the Queen’s staircase. This new access, which blends in seamlessly, was adorned with lavish stucco decoration imitating the marbles used in the Grand Siècle.
Accessibility
The Attics are not accessible to wheelchair users or to visitors who are unable to climb stairs between floors.
The collections
Jacques-Louis DAVID, Jeu de Paume Oath, 20 June 1789, oil on canvas, bistre wash and black pencil, 1791-1792 © EPV / Franck Raux
The tour combining historic scenes and painted and sculpted portraits begins with the Revolution, with Jacques-Louis David and the unfinished and fragmentary painting of the Jeu de Paume Oath on 20 June 1789. It then traces the meteoric rise of Napoleon Bonaparte up to the Consulate (1799-1804), and includes the Italian and Egyptian Campaigns (1796-1801).
Antoine-Jean GROS, Bonaparte on the Bridge at Arcole, 17 November 1796, oil on canvas, 1796 © EPV / Franck Raux
The “stars” of the Chimay Attic remain Le Jeu de Paume Oath (1790-1791) and The Death of Marat (1793) by David, as well as Bonaparte on the Bridge at Arcole by Gros (1796) – the first official portrait of General Bonaparte – and the portrait of Deputy Jean-Baptiste Belley by Girodet (1797). Also of note are the busts of La Fayette by Houdon (1790) and of Desaix by Chinard (1800-1808).
Discover part of the historic paintings collection at Versailles!
Buy your ticket
The Chimay Attic will be open for self-guided tours to all visitors with a Palace or Passport ticket.
Passport
This ticket gives access to the whole estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the Gardens). Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.
It includes :
- the Palace with timed entry;
- the estate of Trianon;
- the temporary exhibitions;
- the Gallery of Coaches (every weekend);
- the Royal Tennis Court;
- the Gardens (until 31 October, single admission during the Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains Show, ticket valid for one entry);
- the Park.
To make the most of the Estate of Versailles, the Gardens are open from 8am, the Estate of Trianon from 12pm, the Gallery of Coaches from 12.30pm.
The Musical Fountains Show and the Musical Gardens close at 5.30pm on 27, 29, 30 and 31 October.
Palace ticket
This ticket guarantees access to the palace of Versailles. Book online and enter to the Palace in the half hour following the chosen time.
- the Palace with timed entry;
- the temporary exhibitions in the Palace;
- the Gallery of Coaches (every weekend);
- the Royal Tennis Court;
- the Gardens (from 1 November to 30 March only) - to access the Gardens before 1 November, you need a Passport ticket or a Gardens ticket;
- the Park.
The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and their Gardens).
Tickets can also be purchased on site subject to availability.
Rates
- Motor deficiencies
- Hearing impaired
- Mental disabilities
- Visual impairment
Guided tour
You can now explore these spaces on a guided tour devoted to the rise of Napoleon.
Guided Tour - Chimay Attic, Napoleon from the Revolution to the Empire
The Chimay attic is now home to small and medium-format paintings depicting major events from the Revolution to the Empire.
Guided Tour - Chimay Attic, Napoleon from the Revolution to the Empire
Read more
On the top floor of the Palace of Versailles, on the south side, are the Chimay attic and the South attic, once occupied by Louis-Philippe on the site of former courtiers' apartments for his new museum. These are now home to small and medium-format paintings depicting major events from the Revolution to the Empire. Enjoy these secluded areas of the palace, where you'll find David's sketch of the Oath of the Jeu de Paume, historical works and sumptuous portraits of the imperial family.
Meeting point at the North Ministers Wing.
Free admission
Caution, this price is in addition to the admission price
- Visual impairment
