September 20 & 21, 2025 European Heritage Days

As part of the European Heritage Days and to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the historic sites along Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine (the Grand Commun, the vestibule of the Congress Hall, the Cour des Bouches, the Cour de Monsieur, as well as the Hôtel de la Guerre and the Choiseul Municipal Library) will exceptionally open their doors to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the history behind these remarkable buildings. Visitors will be able to continue their journey to the King’s Kitchen Garden via the Pièce d’eau des Suisses.

program

Mediations

The courtyard of the Grand Commun will be open to visitors, with guided talks led by students, and an exhibition of photographic archives and archaeological excavations will be presented in the Le Nôtre Room.

Student-led talks will also be offered in the entrance vestibule of The Congress Room, the Cour de Monsieur, and in the other sites along Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine opened for this heritage weekend.

These activities will also continue inside the Palace, in the Captain of the Guards’ Apartments, dedicated to the display commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence, and in the Gallery of Battles, opposite Auguste Couder’s painting depicting the Siege of Yorktown.

Discovery trail

A free online discovery trail will invite families to explore the street while piecing together an abandoned notebook with several missing pages.

Cryptors in the City

These European Heritage Days dedicated to the theme of American Independence will also provide an opportunity to highlight the collaboration with Cryptors in the City, whose mobile game will feature several key figures from this historic event through mosaics hidden throughout the Palace of Versailles estate.

The « Crytors in the City » app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Guided Tour Versailles et l'indépendance américaine (in French)

What role did France play in American Independence? By supporting the insurgents, King Louis XVI demonstrated his support for new ideas, and the Palace of Versailles became, for a decade, a place where they were promoted. The political and military alliance between France and the United States also had a lasting influence on artistic conventions.

These tours will be available on weekdays and weekends.

Practical information

Access: Courtyard and Le Nôtre Room of the Grand Commun, entrance vestibule of The Congress Room, Cour des Bouches, Cour de Monsieur, and the ground floor of the Provence Staircase.
Opening of the Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine entrance gate.
Opening of the King’s Gate to access the King’s Kitchen Garden from the Pièce d’eau des Suisses.

Opening hours: 9 am - 6.30 pm (last admission at 5.30 pm).

Admission fee applies for the Captain of the Guards’ Apartments and the Gallery of Great Battles.