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The Château de Versailles, an iconic symbol recognised worldwide, illustrating France’s global reputation, will welcome the Olympic Games in a magnificent setting with a rich history. Initially built as a simple hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles was home to the court of Louis XIV in 1682 and became the epicentre of French royalty. From 1883, with its magnificent gardens, it became a national museum, open to the public, and it was the first French site to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, in 1979.

Thanks to overlay facilities, certain Paris 2024 events will be staged in a truly exceptional and historical setting. A temporary outdoor arena, flanked by several stands, will be set up on the Etoile Royale esplanade, to the west of the Grand Canal, at the heart of the Palace’s gardens. This arena will stage two eventing disciplines (dressage test and jumping), as well as the jumping and dressage competitions (Olympic and Paralympic). The individual and team eventing cross-country section will be held alongside the Grand Canal, while the five modern pentathlon events will also be organised at the Château de Versailles.