Palace of Versailles hosts Vacances royales from 17 October
Published on 10/21/2026 at 18:18 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSFamily programme and historic rooms
- Vacances royales runs at the Empire Rooms from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
- Three activities explore Napoleon's era through performance, paintings and creative work.
- The Palace became the Museum of the History of France in 1837 and has 2,300 rooms.
- Versailles is in France, with the programme reached through Entrance A at the Dufour Pavilion.
The Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) hosts Vacances royales in Versailles from 17 October to 1 November 2026, giving families a programme centred on Napoleon’s era. The Palace invites visitors to combine history, performance and creative work during selected weekends and Wednesdays.
Vacances royales brings Napoleon’s era into the museum
The programme is organised by the Palace of Versailles and takes place in the Empire Rooms in the south lower stone gallery. Its activities examine the history and art of the First Empire through a meeting with a performer, a movement-based presentation and a workshop inspired by museum motifs. The setting links the programme directly to the collections rather than treating the palace only as a backdrop.
One activity introduces André Estienne, described by the organiser as a former soldier of Bonaparte, through the story of the drummer of Arcole. Another uses anecdotes and paintings to explore the imperial story before inviting participants to try gestural poetry. The third asks families to create a miniature imperial decoration in the workshop room. The official family programme details describe all three activities.
How the family programme fits the historic palace
The event uses rooms connected with the museum history of Versailles. Louis XIII’s hunting pavilion was transformed and extended by Louis XIV, who installed the Court and government there in 1682. After the French Revolution, the former royal residence took on a different role and became the Museum of the History of France in 1837.
That history explains the programme’s combination of paintings, performance and making. The Empire Rooms form part of a building that now contains 2,300 rooms across 63,154 square metres, while the site has been listed as a World Heritage property since 1979. These facts are set out in the Palace’s history and collections overview.
Visiting Palace of Versailles: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Vacances royales runs on 17, 18, 21, 24, 25 and 28 October and 31 October and 1 November 2026 in the Empire Rooms, south lower stone gallery.
- The activities are available without reservation, with access through Entrance A at the Dufour Pavilion. The programme runs from 10.30am to 5.45pm, with the final activity beginning at 5.15pm.
- The programme includes a performance-led museum activity, a presentation using paintings and a workshop for creating an imperial decoration.
- Palace of Versailles is at Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France. The official site identifies the address and places the palace at the centre of Versailles.
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Frequently asked questions about Palace of Versailles
When does Vacances royales take place at Palace of Versailles?
The programme runs on selected weekends and Wednesdays from 17 October to 1 November 2026, including 21 and 28 October.
What is Palace of Versailles?
It is a former royal residence that became the Museum of the History of France in 1837 and has been a World Heritage property since 1979.
Where is Palace of Versailles and how do you get there?
Palace of Versailles is at Place d’Armes in Versailles, France, and the event page directs visitors to Entrance A at the Dufour Pavilion.
