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As Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics and the Château de Versailles will also play a unique role in this global event, the Château de Versailles is set to play a unique role in this global event. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Château de Versailles, explore its significance in French history, and discover how it will be seamlessly integrated into the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Château de Versailles: Cultural Heritage
The Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles), an iconic symbol of France’s global heritage, will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024. Originally a hunting lodge, it became the court of Louis XIV in 1682 and a national museum in 1883, receiving UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.
Venue Overview
Located 20 kilometers southwest of Paris, the palace, with over 2,300 rooms and extensive gardens, is a stunning venue for the Games. Temporary facilities will be set up for events like dressage, jumping, and modern pentathlon.
Legacy Paris 2024
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.
Olympics Games at Château de Versailles
The equestrian events and portions of the modern pentathlon will be held at the Château de Versailles.
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Equestrian Schedule
| Date | Paris Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| July 27 (Saturday) | 09:30 | Eventing Team Dressage |
| 09:30 | Eventing Individual Dressage | |
| July 28 (Sunday) | 10:30 | Eventing Team Cross Country |
| 13:00 | Eventing Individual Cross Country | |
| July 29 (Monday) | 11:00 | Eventing Individual Jumping Qualifier |
| 12:15 | Eventing Team Jumping Final | |
| 15:00 | Eventing Individual Jumping Final | |
| July 30 (Tuesday) | 11:00 | Dressage Team Grand Prix Day 1 |
| 13:45 | Dressage Individual Grand Prix Day 1 | |
| July 31 (Wednesday) | 10:00 | Dressage Team Grand Prix Day 2 |
| 12:45 | Dressage Individual Grand Prix Day 2 | |
| August 1 (Thursday) | 11:00 | Jumping Team Qualifier |
| August 2 (Friday) | 14:00 | Jumping Team Final |
| August 3 (Saturday) | 10:00 | Dressage Team Grand Prix Special |
| August 4 (Sunday) | 10:00 | Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle |
| August 5 (Monday) | 14:00 | Jumping Individual Qualifier |
| August 6 (Tuesday) | 10:00 | Jumping Individual Final |
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Modern Pentathlon Schedule
| Date | Paris Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| August 9 (Friday) | 13:00 | Men's SF A Riding Show Jumping |
| 13:40 | Men's SF A Fencing Bonus Round | |
| 14:10 | Men's SF A Swimming 200m Freestyle | |
| 14:40 | Men's SF A Laser Run | |
| 17:00 | Men's SF B Riding Show Jumping | |
| 17:40 | Men's SF B Fencing Bonus Round | |
| 18:10 | Men's SF B Swimming 200m Freestyle | |
| 18:40 | Men's SF B Laser Run | |
| August 10 (Saturday) | 09:30 | Women's SF A Riding Show Jumping |
| 10:10 | Women's SF A Fencing Bonus Round | |
| 10:40 | Women's SF A Swimming 200m Freestyle | |
| 11:10 | Women's SF A Laser Run | |
| 13:30 | Women's SF B Riding Show Jumping | |
| 14:10 | Women's SF B Fencing Bonus Round | |
| 14:40 | Women's SF B Swimming 200m Freestyle | |
| 15:10 | Women's SF B Laser Run | |
| 17:30 | Men's Final Riding Show Jumping | |
| 18:10 | Men's Final Fencing Bonus Round | |
| 18:40 | Men's Final Swimming 200m Freestyle | |
| 19:10 | Men's Final Laser Run | |
| August 11 (Sunday) | 11:00 | Women's Final Riding Show Jumping |
| 11:40 | Women's Final Fencing Bonus Round | |
| 12:10 | Women's Final Swimming 200m Freestyle | |
| 12:40 | Women's Final Laser Run | |
| Tip: The Men's and Women's Fencing Ranking Round on August 8 will be held at the North Paris Arena. | ||
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How to Get There: Route Guidelines
Reaching the Château de Versailles is convenient via several transportation options:
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"Versailles Rive Droite" Stop: Take Line L towards Versailles. From there, either take the free Paris 2024 bus for spectators or walk 40 minutes to the venue.
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"Versailles-Chantiers" Stop: Use RER C towards Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines or Versailles Chantiers, or Lines N/U. Then, take the free Paris 2024 bus or walk 50 minutes to the venue.
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"Versailles-Château" Stop: Take RER C towards Versailles Château Rive Gauche. From there, either take the free Paris 2024 bus or walk 40 minutes to the venue.
On the day of the individual mixed eventing cross-country (Saturday 27 July), the palace is also accessible on foot through the Park of Versailles. Special buses will provide direct service between the station and the venue, ensuring smooth transport for spectators.
Attention:
Consider purchasing a Paris eSIM online during your stay in France. It's the easiest way to ensure you stay connected with seamless internet access, without the hassle of physical SIM cards.
Pro Tips for Live Audience
1. Know the day's weather
Check the weather forecast before arriving at the Château de Versailles and prepare accordingly. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 30+ sun cream, sunglasses, a small folding umbrella, a metal water bottle (75cl max.), and light clothing. During extreme heat, stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if you're not thirsty. There are water points on-site to refill your bottles.
2. Arrive early
To ensure a smooth experience, plan to arrive at least 1.5 hours before your session begins. Bike parking facilities are available at Allée de Fontenay, 78000 Versailles. For wheelchair users and people with disabilities, there is a designated car park and drop-off zone at the crossroads between Allée de la Ceinture and Allée de Gally, 78000 Versailles.
3. Authorized and prohibited items
Please bring only essential items as there will be no deposit system or lockers on-site. Prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned. Prepare for systematic liquid checks by having your containers ready for inspection, where you will be asked to take a sip. Travel light and consult the list of authorized and prohibited items beforehand. If you lose something during your session, visit the Information Desk inside the competition venue.
*Note: If you lose something on the day of your session, go to the Information Desk inside the competition venue.
| Prohibited Items | Authorized Items |
|---|---|
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4. Payments on site
At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic venues, only Visa is accepted for card and mobile payments. Cash is also accepted for purchasing food, beverages, and official licensed products.
5. Prepare enough mobile data
While the Château de Versailles offers free WiFi in certain areas like the Honour Courtyard, it may not be available throughout the entire venue. Therefore, for consistent connectivity, consider using an eSIM. MicroEsim offers affordable and reliable options such as the Olympics Europe eSIM Special Offer or the France eSIM to ensure you stay connected during your visit. This will allow you to access event schedules, venue maps, and stay connected with friends and family.
6. Behave respectfully
Please use the recycling bins for your rubbish and note that smoking is permitted only in designated areas. All spectators at the Games are expected to act in a civic-minded and respectful manner. This includes avoiding any form of violence and refraining from making racist, discriminatory, sexist, anti-LGBT+, or degrading comments or behavior.
7. Medical Assistance at the Venue
For medical assistance, visit one of the medical posts at Château de Versailles or approach personnel wearing red chasubles. Medical posts are open throughout the competitions and are marked with signs. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available on-site. For emergencies outside the venue, contact your GP, call 15 (SAMU), or dial 112.
8. Watching the Games Remotely
The Olympic Games will be broadcast by Eurosport, with themed channels Eurosport 1 to 9 and digital platform commentary. Free-to-air coverage will be available on France Télévisions channels: France 2, France 3, and France 4. Live and on-demand access will be provided by the Official Olympic Media Rights Holders. Here is the list of Paris 2024 Media Rights Holders:
Plan your Versailles trip
Visiting the Château de Versailles during the Paris 2024 Olympics is a fantastic opportunity to explore nearby Games venues like the National Velodrome, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines BMX Stadium, Golf National, and Elancourt Hill.
Highlights at Versailles:
- Hall of Mirrors: The most famous room in Versailles, featuring 357 mirrors opposite 17 arches that overlook the gardens.
- Royal Chapel: Admire the stunning architecture and the ceiling paintings which depict biblical scenes.
- Gardens: Spanning over 800 hectares, the gardens are a masterpiece of landscape design, with fountains, sculptures, and beautifully manicured lawns.
- Grand Trianon: A smaller palace within the grounds that offers a more intimate glimpse into royal life.
You can enjoy the perfect mix of cultural heritage and Olympic fervor at Versailles. Day trips to Paris are easy, given the close proximity, allowing you to enjoy the vast cultural and historical offerings of the French capital.
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Visiting the Château de Versailles during the Paris 2024 Olympics provides a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class sports while stepping back into the grandeur of French history. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just in it for the beauty, Versailles promises a rich and fulfilling experience.