SECURITY
What happened at Palace of Versailles? Armed police, evacuation
Concerns grew on Thursday as news broke about a ‘security incident’ at the high-profile location in Paris.
Around lunchtime in the French capital, Paris, news alerts flagged that armed police units had stormed the Palace of Versailles. This, it was reported, was due to a ‘security incident’.
Immediately the public was issued with guidance that they should avoid the area.
According to a police source, speaking to local news outlet Figaro, this is not an operation related to a terrorist threat. The information is still being confirmed, but it appears to be a dispute between two street vendors. One of them was reportedly seen fleeing with a knife. We have not been able to verify this.
The official announcement, communicated on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“Security forces are on site. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities. Do not share false information.”
Shortly after, another communication was released stating that the palace was closed while the security forces finished their work.
This incident comes a few weeks after tourists had to evacuate the same site after a fire broke out.
At around 3:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. ET), confirmation arrived that the incident had been dealt with and that "the palace is gradually reopening its doors.”
What and where is the The Château de Versailles?
The Château de Versailles, often referred to simply as Versailles, is a grand palace located in the city of Versailles, France, which is about 20 kilometres southwest of Paris. It was originally a hunting lodge built in the early 17th century and was later expanded into a royal palace by Louis XIV, the Sun King, starting in 1661.
Versailles became the principal royal residence of France under Louis XIV and remained so until the French Revolution in 1789. The palace is renowned for its opulent architecture, extensive gardens, and its significance in French history as a symbol of absolute monarchy.
Today, the Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in France, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to admire its grandeur, gardens, and historical significance.