Heatwave alert: adapted hours for cultural and tourist sites in Versailles Grand Parc

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Due to the current heatwave alert and to ensure the comfort and safety of all, several sites across the region are adjusting their opening hours and visitor conditions.

Palace of Versailles Estate

Due to the exceptionally high temperatures expected over the coming days, the Estate of Versailles is temporarily adjusting its opening hours for everyone's comfort and safety.

Starting Saturday, July 11:

  • The Palace, the Royal Stables, and the Room of the Jeu de Paume will close at 4:30 pm

  • The Estate of Trianon will close at 4:15 pm

  • The exhibition 'Gardens of Light, 1750-1800' will be closed all weekend.

For those wishing to walk through the grounds, the Gardens and the Park will remain open during regular hours, allowing you to enjoy the cooler evening air along the Grand Canal. However, we highly recommend planning your visit for the morning.

⚠️ PLEASE NOTE ⚠️
Due to a severe risk of fire, the local authorities (Prefecture) are issuing an order banning all fireworks from July 11 to 15 inclusive. Please check the Château de Versailles Spectacles website regarding the Night Fountains Shows.

  • - © Château de Versailles, Thomas Garnier

The King's Vegetable Garden (Potager du Roi)

As a true historic gem and iconic production site, the King's Vegetable Garden must also adjust its operations due to the current heatwave. For safety and thermal comfort reasons, the site will adapt its opening hours starting today and until further notice.

The King's Kitchen Garden (Potager du Roi) will close at 1:00 pm. Please note that last entry is at 12:00 pm to ensure everyone has enough time for their visit. The guided tour scheduled for Sunday has been postponed.

We recommend a morning discovery to best enjoy the beauty of the cultivated plots in the cooler hours.

  • - © Ville de Versailles Drive Productions

Madame Élisabeth

Estate If you are looking for a haven of peace to extend your sweet summer evenings away from the stifling afternoon heat, please note that the Madame Élisabeth Estate is adapting beautifully.

The estate will remain exceptionally open until 10:00 PM. It is the perfect time to come and relax on the shaded lawns of this magnificent romantic park once the sun has set.

  • - © lschneiter-cgy

Guided Tours by the Tourist Office: Prevention Plan

Have you booked or do you wish to book a guided tour starting this Friday and throughout the weekend? Our tours are going ahead, but your health is our priority. Our guides will adapt the itineraries to focus as much as possible on shaded areas.

To ensure your tour goes smoothly, we invite you to follow these essential safety tips (inspired by the recommendations of the Ministry of Ecological Transition):

  • 💧 Stay hydrated: Please bring a bottle of water or a flask. Drink regularly, without waiting until you feel thirsty.

  • 🧢 Protect yourself from the sun: Wearing a hat, a cap, or using a parasol is highly recommended, as is applying sunscreen.

  • 👕 Wear light clothing: Choose loose, light-colored clothing and comfortable shoes.

  • 🧘 Pace yourself: Do not overexert yourself. During the tour, if you feel any dizziness or fatigue, please inform your guide immediately.


Find below the visual reminder of the behaviors to adopt regarding the heatwave alert issued by Météo-France.

  • - © OT Versailles Grand Parc

Visitors and Walkers: Essential Tips for the Destination

Whether you are here for the day or live in the area, caution is advised during your travels. To ensure your stay in Versailles Grand Parc remains a pleasure despite the high temperatures, here are a few simple daily habits to adopt:

  • 🚰 Locate cool spots: Remember to fill up your water bottles before setting off. Feel free to ask at tourist site receptions or our travel advisors to locate drinking water fountains and shaded areas.

  • 🌳 Choose parks and wooded areas during the hottest hours: The region is full of green spaces. It is the perfect time to enjoy the shade of the large trees in the Palace Park or the Arboretum in the morning.

  • 🕒 Time your movements wisely: Avoid exposing yourself to the sun or walking between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Prioritize cultural visits in air-conditioned/cooled indoor spaces, or walks in the early morning and late evening.

  • 👵 Take care of your loved ones: Be particularly attentive to young children and the elderly accompanying you, as they are more sensitive to dehydration.

Any doubts, questions, or looking for a cool spot? The Tourist Office teams remain at your full disposal to guide you and advise you on the best shaded routes. Take care of yourself!

  • - © Meteo France