Photo Courtesy: Olympics
As published by The Olympics.
The Château de Versailles (also known as the Palace of Versailles), an iconic symbol illustrating France’s global reputation, will welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 to a magnificent setting with a rich history. Initially built as a simple hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles was home to the court of Louis XIV in 1682 and became the epicentre of French royalty. In 1883, the site became a national museum open to the public and was the first French site to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.
Thanks to overlay facilities, certain Paris 2024 events will be staged in a truly exceptional and historic setting at the palace. A temporary outdoor arena, flanked by several stands, will be set up on the Etoile Royale esplanade to the west of the Grand Canal at the heart of the palace’s gardens. This arena will stage two eventing disciplines (dressage test and jumping), as well as the jumping and dressage competitions (Olympic and Paralympic). The individual and team eventing cross-country section will be held alongside the Grand Canal, while the five modern pentathlon events will also be organized at the Château de Versailles.
Legacy
At the end of the Games, the temporary facilities at the palace will be dismantled. The Château de Versailles will continue to be a world-renowned cultural site welcoming millions of visitors each year.
Venue Information
Department: Yvelines (78)
City: Versailles
Distance from the Olympic and Paralympic Village: 35km
Games venues nearby: National Velodrome, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines BMX Stadium, Golf National, Elancourt Hill
How to Get There?
Public transport
Modern pentathlon, Equestrian, Para equitation:
“Versailles Rive Droite” stop: Line L towards Versailles, then take the free Paris 2024 bus for spectators, or walk 40 minutes to the venue.
“Versailles-Chantiers” stop: RER C towards Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines or Versailles Chantiers / Line N / U, then take the free Paris 2024 bus for spectators or walk 50 minutes to reach the venue.
“Versailles-Château” stop: RER C towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche, then take the free Paris 2024 bus for spectators or walk 40 minutes to the venue.
We recommend that spectators use the shuttle buses from the stations, but the venue can also be reached on foot from the stations by crossing the grounds of the Château de Versailles.
As the venue is outdoors, Paris 2024 invites spectators to check the weather forecast beforehand so that they can equip themselves accordingly (wide-brimmed hat, sun cream, sunglasses, small folding umbrella, plastic or metal water bottle of up to 75cl, etc.). You are also advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking around and inside the venue.
Active mobility
Allée de Fontenay – 78000 Versailles
Accessibility information
Wheelchair users car park / People with disabilities drop-off zone: Crossroads between the allée de la Ceinture and the allée de Gally (78000 Versailles)
Find all information about venue accessibility on our dedicated page.
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