For the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, and as part of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the Palace of Versailles is inviting the public to discover the history of Rue de l’Indépendance Américaine and its iconic landmarks.
September 19-20, 2026 European Heritage Days
© EPV / Thomas Garnier
Weekend of September 19–20
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 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. The Congress Chamber will be exceptionally open to visitors, offering them the opportunity to discover an iconic site in the history of France. 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 the Congress Chamber Vestibule, 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.
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.
Guided tour - The King's Private Apartments
Beyond the walls and ceremonial life of the State Apartment, was the Kings’ Private Apartment.
10 €Réserver
Guided tour - The King's Private Apartments
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Duration : 1½ hours
Guided tour - The King's Private Apartments
Behind the walls of the Grand Apartments lie the private apartments of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Accompanied by a qualified guide, this tour gives you a look into the intimate atmosphere and the refined decoration of these living areas.
Meeting point at the North Ministers Wing.
NB: this visit includes narrow passages not exceeding 80 cm.
Practical information
Access: Courtyard of the Grand Commun, Vestibule of the Congress Chamber, Cour des Bouches, Cour de Monsieur.
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.
The Royal Opera
The Royal Opera of the Château de Versailles is exceptionally opening its doors for the European Heritage Days !
Saturday September 19th : 1pm – 6pm*
Sunday September 20th : 11am – 6pm*
*Last entry at 6 p.m.
Take advantage of these two special days to discover the Royal Opera, a jewel of French heritage of the 18th century !
Commissioned by Louis XIV, built by Louis XV, and inaugurated for the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, the Royal Opera at the Château de Versailles was the largest theatre in Europe when it opened in 1770 ! This extraordinary venue, entirely constructed from wood, now hosts over 120 shows per year, including operas (both staged and in concert), recitals, theatre, ballets, and more.
During the European Heritage Days, the Royal Opera welcomes everyone for an unforgettable and historic tour, with live singing demonstrations, exhibitions of stage costumes, and many other surprises. The world’s most beautiful opera house is waiting for you !
Informations pratiques
- Free entry, no reservation required.
- Access via Place Gambetta, Sénat Gate (large yellow gate), Versailles 78000
Exhibition
Gardens of the Enlightenment
The exhibition “Gardens of the Enlightenment, 1700–1800,” held from May 5 to September 27 2026 at the Grand Trianon, offers a unique insight into landscape gardens in the 18th century, through nearly 160 works.
Show
Night Fountains Show
When night falls, the Gardens are transformed to offer a stunning visual and musical treat as fountains and groves come alive with colourful and dramatic lighting effects, every Saturday night from 6 June to 19 September 2026, Saturday, July 4th, Tuesday, July 14th, Saturday, August 15th, and Saturday, August 29th.
Versailles à Morellet
From June 30 to November 1, 2026, to celebrate the centennial of the birth of contemporary artist François Morellet (1926–2016), the Palace of Versailles will present six of his major works, which will engage in a dialogue with the opulent interiors of the Grand Apartments and the perspectives of the garden.
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