This year, for the 41st edition of the European Heritage Days Two themes were selected: “Heritage of routes, networks and connections” and “Maritime heritage”.
The Palace of Versailles
The one that hosted the equestrian events of the Olympic Games opens its doors to the general public free of charge and without reservation for this weekend of the European Heritage Days. In addition to the places usually exposed to the public, the Gallery of Coaches will also be open. In this room are a panoply of carriages, sedan chairs and also period sleighs.
Visitors to the Château de Versailles will also have the opportunity to discover the Equestrian Academy on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shows will be organized there on Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
As a reminder, the castle was built by Louis XIV who wanted to build a sumptuous residence outside of Paris. He therefore called upon the most renowned artists and craftsmen of his time to turn what was originally just a hunting lodge into a symbol of beauty and wealth. Over time, kings succeeded one another and rejuvenated the place with elements of their time.
photo credit: Pyty – Shutterstock
The Palace of Fontainebleau
Heritage ambassadors will be present in the rooms of Fontainebleau to tell anecdotes about the history of this castle through which many kings passed from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It was indeed a “family home” for each of them.
This is why we can find medieval remains there such as the old keep but also from the Renaissance. Louis XIV also passed through this castle and came to spend each of his autumns there even after the construction of that of Versailles.
Visits to the Château de Fontainebleau are free and accessible only by reservation, on site, on the same day, subject to availability. Guided tours will also be organized for visitors.
photo credit: RossHelen – Shutterstock
Chambord Castle
For this 41st edition of the JEP, the Château de Chambord offers its visitors meetings with artisans and art restorers, the opening of the lantern tower (rarely open to visitors) but also the stables of the Republican Guard as well as free guided tours.
Drawing initiations and aerial dance performances accompanied by live music will once again celebrate this year 2024 and the Paris Olympic Games. Entrance to the castle will be at a reduced price for adults and free for those under 26.
The Château de Chambord was built during the reign of François I, who was still very young. He would later make it a symbol of his power thanks to its extraordinary architecture. The construction work would not be completed until the reign of Louis XIV, who would visit the château several times with the Court. The surroundings of the building would later be landscaped with a park and stables.
photo credit: Armando Oliveira – Shutterstock
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