Chateau of Versailles

Chateau of Versailles 

The iconic, world-famous Château de Versailles – a symbol of France’s influence on the world stage – hosted the  Paris 2024 Games in a magnificent setting steeped in history. In 1979, the palace and its majestic gardens became the first French site to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Evolving from a mere hunting lodge into an extravagant palace under Louis XIV, the Château de Versailles went on to become the Museum of the History of France by order of King Louis-Philippe. It is also where the upper and lower houses of the French Parliament convene for joint sessions.

Today, the estate spans over 800 ha and is a textbook example of French formal gardens, home to the “Royal Star”, a circular esplanade at the western end of the Grand Canal. The esplanade will feature a temporary facility where the dressage and jumping events (including for the eventing competition), the modern pentathlon events and the Paralympic dressage events will take place. With a strong equestrian tradition dating back to the 17th century, the Château de Versailles and its sustainable infrastructure will provide a magnificent setting for the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events, helping boost the sport’s visibility.