To mark the 150th anniversary of the Third Republic in 2025, the Palace of Versailles opened the Congress Chamber and apartment of the President of the Congress.
Congress Chamber Exceptional opening of the Congress Chamber
The Congress Chamber
The Congress Chamber, which was built in the space of just six months in 1875, in the heart of the South Wing, seats nearly 1,500 people. It is larger than the semi-circular debating chambers of the National Assembly and Senate.
This fine example of early Third Republic official architecture, with its eclectic style and very palatial feel, has a remarkable decor inspired by the State Apartment of Louis XIV, and features many references to the Sun King.
Between 1875 and 1953, sixteen Presidents of the Republic were elected there and deputies and senators still take their places on the benches when they convene in Congress to debate changes to the Constitution or to listen to an address by the President of the Republic. The Congress met in this capacity on 4 March 2024 to ratify the inclusion of voluntary termination of pregnancy in the Constitution.
360° virtual tour of the Congress Chamber
Discover this historic yet little-known part of the Palace thanks to 360° photo technology.
The Congress Chamber
© EPV / Thomas Garnier
The Congress Chamber
© EPV / Thomas Garnier
The apartment of the President of the Congress
The apartment of the President of the Congress, which is often overlooked by the general public, was built at the same time as the Congress Chamber on the site of former apartments belonging to members of the royal family. It is decorated in the Louis-XV revival style, which is commonly seen at Versailles. This stunning huge state apartment was reassigned by the National Assembly to the Palace of Versailles in 2006.
The Marengo Room and the entrance to the apartment of the President of the Congress
© EPV / Thomas Garnier
The office of the apartment of the President of the Congress
© EPV / Thomas Garnier
Partners
mobile App
The palace app is available free of charge to guide you through your tour. Audioguide tours are also available in several language including French and English.
Digital
360° Virtual tours
Explore the Palace of Versailles and relive its temporary exhibitions remotely, with our collection of 360° virtual tours.
Plan my visit
guided tours
During guided tours, a speaker from the Palace invites you into lesser known locations otherwise closed to the visitors. You can also book online tours to discover the backstage of the Castle from your home!
Show
The 2025-2026 musical season
The Palace of Versailles is hosting numerous operas, concerts, gala evenings and ballets in some of its exceptional spaces, including the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel. Check out the programme for the 2025–2026 music season at Versailles.
The official Palace of Versailles app
The free application of the Palace offers audio tours to accompany your visit to the Estate (Palace, Gardens, Trianon Estate, etc.) as well as an interactive map.
More information
Are you a regular visitor?
The best of Versailles for subscribers! For a whole year, benefit from numerous advantages thanks to the SOLO or DUO cards, and unlimited ticket access from only 65€.
Choose your subscription
